Gesture-based control device for controlling an electrical load

ABSTRACT

A control device may be configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device may be a wall-mounted device such as dimmer switch, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device. The control device may include a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control may include absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback may be provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/860,395, filed Apr. 28, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/571,295, filed Sep. 16, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No.10,672,261, issued Jun. 2, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/125,450, filed Sep. 7, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,475,333, issued Nov. 12, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/593,272, filed May 11, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,102,742, issued Oct. 16, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/469,459, filed Mar. 24, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,109,181, issued Oct. 23, 2018, which claims the benefit ofProvisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/312,863, filed Mar. 24, 2016,Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/345,449, filed Jun. 3, 2016,Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/345,222, filed Jun. 3, 2016,Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/345,464, filed Jun. 3, 2016,Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/356,007, filed Jun. 29, 2016,Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/356,179, filed Jun. 29, 2016,Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/356,288, filed Jun. 29, 2016,and Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 62/411,223, filed Oct. 21,2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND

A load control system may include one or more electrical loads that auser may wish to control via a single load control device. Theseelectrical loads may include, for example, lighting loads, HVAC units,motorized window treatment or projection screens, humidity controlunits, audio systems or amplifiers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices,and/or the like. The electrical loads may have advanced features. Forexample, a lighting load may be controlled to emit light of varyingintensities and/or colors in response to a user command. The amount ofpower delivered to the electrical loads may be adjusted to an absolutelevel or by a relative amount. Multiple electrical loads may bemanipulated such that one or more presets or scenes (e.g., combinationsof particular lighting conditions, temperature settings, speaker volume,and/or the like) may be created, and a user may desire the ability tobrowse through the presets or scenes, and activate one that fits aparticular occasion. With a traditional load control device such as amechanical toggle switch, a user will not able to perform any of theaforementioned functions, let alone performing multiple of them throughone device.

The insufficiencies of traditional load control devices arise at leastin part from the actuation mechanism utilized in those devices. Morespecifically, traditional load control devices are typically onlycapable of responding to simple user actions such as moving a lever orpushing a button. As such, the number and/or types of control that maybe applied through a load control device is limited. To meet the demandof advanced electrical loads, there is a need to employ alternative userinterface technologies such as those capable of detecting human gesturesand translating the gestures into control data (e.g., control signals)for controlling the electrical loads. These technologies may expand thecapacity of a load control device, while at the same time enhancing itsusability and aesthetic appeal, for example.

A traditional load control device may also lack the capacity to providevisual feedback to a user about the operation of the load control deviceand/or the electrical loads controlled by the load control devices. Suchcapacity is an important aspect of user experience in an advanced loadcontrol system where a user may be able to manipulate multiple operatingparameters of an electrical load or to control multiple electrical loadsvia a single control device. Provision of feedback in those environmentscan keep the user informed about the state and/or mode of the controldevice and electrical loads, and may help the user navigate through thevarious functionalities of the control device.

SUMMARY

As described herein, a control device may be configured for use in aload control system to control one or more electrical loads. The controldevice may be external to the plurality of lighting loads, and mayinclude an actuation portion, one or more light sources, and a controlcircuit. The actuation portion may define a front surface that comprisesa plurality of touch sensitive areas. The one or more light sources maybe controlled to illuminate the plurality of touch sensitive areas in afirst situation and to not illuminate the plurality of touch sensitiveareas in a second situation. The control circuit may be configured toperform one or more of the following. The control circuit may controlthe one or more light sources to present a first user interface on thefront surface of the actuation portion. The control circuit may controlthe one or more light sources to not illuminate the plurality of touchsensitive areas in the first user interface. Subsequently, the controlcircuit may determine that a user input has been received for activatinga second user interface on the front surface of the actuation portion,and control the one or more light sources to present the second userinterface on the front surface of the actuation portion. In the seconduser interface, the control circuit may control the one or more lightsources to illuminate the plurality of touch sensitive areas. A user mayactuate one of the plurality of touch sensitive areas via the seconduser interface. In response, the control circuit may generate controldata for controlling an amount of power delivered to the one or moreelectrical loads. For example, each of the touch sensitive areas mayrepresent a preset associated with the one or more electrical loads. Thepreset may include at least one predetermined setting of the one or moreelectrical loads, and the control circuit may activate the preset inresponse to an actuation of the touch sensitive area associated with thepreset.

Also described herein is a control device configured for use in a loadcontrol system to control a lighting load. The control device may belocated external to the lighting load, and may include a user inputdevice, a light bar, and a control circuit. The user input device mayinclude a touch sensitive surface. The light bar may be configured to beilluminated by one or more light sources (e.g., such as LEDs) under thecontrol of the control circuit. When illuminated, the light bar maypresent a color gradient on which one or more available color settingsfor the lighting load may be indicated. For example, the light bar maybe substantially circular in shape, and the control circuit may controlthe one or more light sources to illuminate the light bar to multiplecolors each representing an available color setting for the lightingload. A user may actuate an area of the touch sensitive surface adjacentto the light bar, and the control circuit may generate control data toadjust a color of the lighting load based on the location of theactuation.

Described further herein is a control device comprising a user inputdevice that may be backlit to display multiple discrete points ofillumination on the user input device. Each of the multiple discretepoints of illumination may represent a preset associated with one ormore electrical loads configured to be controlled by the control device.The backlighting may be provided via a plurality of light sources suchas LEDs. A user may actuate one of the multiple discrete points ofillumination. In response, the control circuit may perform the actions.The control circuit may control the plurality of light sources toilluminated the selected discrete point in a manner distinguishable fromthe rest of the multiple discrete points of illumination. The controlcircuit may further generate control data to control the plurality ofelectrical loads based on the preset associated with the selecteddiscrete point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example load control system that includes one or moreexample control devices.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example control device that may bedeployed as a dimmer switch and/or a remote control device of the loadcontrol system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an example remote control device that maybe deployed as a remote control device of the load control systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is an exploded rear perspective view of a control unit componentof the example remote control device illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is an exploded front perspective view of the control unitcomponent of the example remote control device illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts an example of applying absolute control over anelectrical load using an example control device that may be deployed asa dimmer switch and/or a remote control device of the load controlsystem illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B depicts an example of applying relative control over anelectrical load using the example control device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C depicts an example of using a gesture to control an electricalload via the example control device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D depicts another example of using a gesture to control anelectrical load via the example control device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E depicts an example of applying color control over a lightingload using a light bar located on the example control device illustratedin FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F depicts an example of applying color control over a lightingload using backlit virtual buttons located on the example control deviceillustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4G depicts an example of preset selection using backlit virtualbuttons located on the example control device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4H depicts an example of preset selection using a light bar locatedon the example control device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example control device that maybe deployed as a dimmer switch and/or a remote control device of theload control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example remote control device thatmay be deployed as a remote control device of the load control systemillustrated in FIG. 1 with a control module detached from a baseportion.

FIG. 6B are rear views of the control module and the base portion of theremote control device depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a front exploded view of the control module for the remotecontrol device depicted in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D shows a rear exploded view of the control module for the exampleremote control device depicted in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A depicts an example of applying absolute control over anelectrical load using an example control device that may be deployed asa load control device and/or a remote control device of the load controlsystem illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B depicts an example of applying relative control over anelectrical load using the example control device illustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C depicts an example of using a gesture to control an electricalload via the example control device illustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D depicts another example of using a gesture to control anelectrical load via the example control device illustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E depicts an example of applying color control over a lightingload using a light bar located on the example control device illustratedin FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F depicts an example of applying color control over a lightingload using backlit virtual buttons located on the example control deviceillustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7G depicts an example of preset selection using backlit virtualbuttons located on the example control device illustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7H depicts an example of preset selection using a light bar locatedon the example control device illustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of another example control device that may bedeployed as a dimmer switch and/or a remote control device of the loadcontrol system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9A is a front view of an example remote control device that may bedeployed as a remote control device of the load control systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9B is a right side view of the example remote control deviceillustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of the example remote controldevice illustrated in FIG. 9A, with the remote control device unmountedfrom a light switch that the remote control device is configured to bemounted on.

FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view of the example remote control deviceillustrated in FIG. 9A, with the remote control device unmounted fromthe light switch.

FIG. 10C is a front view of the example remote control deviceillustrated in FIG. 9A, with the remote control device unmounted fromthe light switch.

FIG. 10D is a right side view of the example remote control deviceillustrated in FIG. 9A, with the remote control device unmounted fromthe light switch.

FIG. 10E is a bottom view of the example remote control deviceillustrated in FIG. 9A, with the remote control device unmounted fromthe light switch.

FIG. 10F is a rear view of the example remote control device illustratedin FIG. 9A, with the remote control device unmounted from the lightswitch.

FIG. 10G is a bottom sectional view of the example remote control deviceillustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10H is an enlarged portion of the sectional view depicted in FIG.10G.

FIG. 11A depicts an example of applying absolute control over anelectrical load using an example control device that may be deployed asa dimmer switch and/or a remote control device of the load controlsystem illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11B depicts an example of applying relative control over anelectrical load using the example control device illustrated in FIG.11A.

FIG. 11C depicts an example of using a gesture to control an electricalload via the example control device illustrated in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11D depicts another example of using a gesture to control anelectrical load via the example control device illustrated in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11E depicts an example of applying color control over a lightingload using a light bar located on the example control device illustratedin FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11F depicts an example of applying color control over a lightingload using backlit virtual buttons located on the example control deviceillustrated in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11G depicts an example of preset selection using backlit virtualbuttons located on the example control device illustrated in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11H depicts an example of preset selection using a light barlocated on the example control device illustrated in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 shows a simplified equivalent schematic diagram of an examplecontrol device that may be deployed as a remote control device of theload control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 shows a simplified equivalent schematic diagram of an examplecontrol device that may be deployed as a load control device (e.g., adimmer switch) of the load control system illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example load control system.As shown, the load control system is configured as a lighting controlsystem 100 for control of one or more lighting loads, such as a lightingload 102 that is installed in a ceiling-mounted downlight fixture 103and a controllable lighting load 104 that is installed in a table lamp105. The lighting loads 102, 104 shown in FIG. 1 may include lightsources of different types (e.g., incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps,and/or LED light sources). The lighting loads may have advancedfeatures. For example, the lighting loads may be controlled to emitlight of varying intensities and/or colors in response to a usercommand. The amount of power delivered to the lighting loads may beadjusted to an absolute level or by a relative amount. The lightingcontrol system 100 may be configured to control one or more of thelighting loads (e.g., and/or other electrical loads) according to one ormore configurable presets or scenes. These presets or scenes maycorrespond to, for example, predefined light intensities and/or colors,predefined entertainment settings such as music selection and/or volumesettings, predefined window treatment settings such as positions ofshades, predefined environmental settings such as HVAC settings, or anycombination thereof. The presets or scenes may correspond to one or morespecific electrical loads (e.g., bedside lamps, ceiling lights, etc.)and/or one or more specific locations (e.g., a room, an entire house,etc.).

The lighting load 102 may be an example of a lighting load that is wiredinto a power control and/or delivery path of the lighting control system100. As such, the lighting load 102 may be controllable by awall-mounted control device such as a dimmer switch. The lighting load104 may be an example of a lighting load that is equipped with integralload control circuitry and/or wireless communication capabilities suchthat the lighting load may be controlled via a wireless controlmechanism (e.g., by a remote control device).

The lighting control system 100 may include one or more control devicesfor controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 (e.g., controlling an amountof power delivered to the lighting loads). The lighting loads 102, 104may be controlled substantially in unison, or be controlledindividually. For example, the lighting loads may be zoned so that thelighting load 102 may be controlled by a first control device, while thelighting load 104 may be controlled by a second control device. Thecontrol devices may be configured to turn the lighting loads 102, 104 onand off. The control devices may be configured to control the magnitudeof a load current conducted through the lighting loads (e.g., so as tocontrol an intensity of the lighting loads 102, 104 between a low-endintensity LLE and a high-end intensity Um). The control devices may beconfigured to control an amount of power delivered to the lighting loadsto an absolute level (e.g., to a maximum allowable amount), or by arelative amount (e.g., an increase of 10% from a current level). Thecontrol devices may be configured to control a color of the lightingload 102, 104 (e.g., by controlling a color temperature of the lightingloads or by applying full color control over the lighting loads).

The control devices may be configured to activate a preset associatedwith the lighting load 102, 104 (e.g., a preset may be associated withone or more predetermined settings of the lighting loads such as anintensity level of the lighting loads and/or a color of the lightingloads). The presets may be configured via the control device and/or viaan external device (e.g., a mobile device) by way of a wirelesscommunication circuit of the control device. The control devices may beconfigured to activate control of a zone. A zone may correspond to oneor more electrical loads that are configured to be controlled by thecontrol devices. A zone may be associated with a specific location(e.g., a living room) or multiple locations (e.g., an entire house withmultiple rooms and hallways). The control devices may be configured toswitch between different operational modes. An operational mode may beassociated with controlling different types of electrical loads ordifferent operational aspects of one or more electrical loads. Examplesof operational modes may include a lighting control mode for controllingone or more lighting loads (e.g., which in turn may include a colorcontrol mode and an intensity control mode), an entertainment systemcontrol mode (e.g., for controlling music selection and/or the volume ofan audio system), an HVAC system control mode, a winter treatment devicecontrol mode (e.g., for controlling one or more shades), and/or thelike.

The control device described herein may be, for example, a dimmer switch110, a retrofit remote control device 112, a wall-mounted control device114, a tabletop remote control device 116, and/or a handheld remotecontrol device 118, as shown in FIG. 1. The dimmer switch 110 may beconfigured to be mounted to a standard electrical wallbox (e.g., via ayoke) and be coupled in series electrical connection between analternating-current (AC) power source 105 and a lighting load that iswired into the control path of the dimmer switch 110 (e.g., such as thelighting load 102). The dimmer switch 110 may receive an AC mains linevoltage Vac from the AC power source 105, and may generate a controlsignal for controlling the lighting load 102. The control signal may begenerated via various phase-control techniques (e.g., a forwardphase-control dimming technique or a reverse phase-control dimmingtechnique). The dimmer switch 110 may be configured to receive wirelesssignals (e.g., from a remote control device) representative of commandsto control the lighting load 102, and generate respective controlsignals for executing the commands. Examples of wall-mounted dimmerswitches are described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 13, andin commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,242,150, issued Jul. 10, 2007,entitled DIMMER HAVING A POWER SUPPLY MONITORING CIRCUIT; U.S. Pat. No.7,546,473, issued Jun. 9, 2009, entitled DIMMER HAVING A MICROPROCESSORCONTROLLED POWER SUPPLY; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,664,881, issued Mar. 4,2014, entitled TWO-WIRE DIMMER SWITCH FOR LOW-POWER LOADS, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The retrofit remote control device 112 may be configured to be mountedto a mechanical switch (e.g., a toggle switch 122) that may bepre-existing in the lighting control system 100. Such a retrofitsolution may provide energy savings and/or advanced control features,for example without requiring significant electrical re-wiring and/orwithout requiring the replacement of existing mechanical switches. As anexample, a consumer may replace an existing lamp with the controllablelighting load 104, switch a toggle switch 122 that is coupled to thelighting load 104 to the on position, install (e.g., mount) the remotecontrol device 112 onto the toggle switch 122, and associate the remotecontrol device 112 with the lighting source 104. The retrofit remotedcontrol 112 may then be used to perform advanced functions that thetoggle switch 122 may be incapable of performing (e.g., such as dimmingthe intensity level of the light output, changing the color of the lightoutput, providing feedback to a user, etc.). As shown, the toggle switch122 is coupled (e.g., via a series electrical connection) between the ACpower source 105 and an electrical receptacle 120 into which thelighting load 104 may be plugged (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1).Alternative, the toggle switch 122 may be coupled between the AC powersource 105 and one or more of the lighting loads 102, 104, without theelectrical receptacle 120.

The wall-mounted remote control device 114 may be configured to bemounted to a standard electrical wallbox and be electrically connectedto the AC power source 105 for receiving power. The wall-mounted remotecontrol device 114 may be configured to receive a user input and maygenerate and transmit a control signal (e.g., control data such as adigital message) for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 in responseto the user input. The tabletop remote control device 116 may beconfigured to be placed on a surface (e.g., an end table or nightstand), and may be powered by a direct-current (DC) power source (e.g.,a battery or an external DC power supply plugged into an electricaloutlet). The tabletop remote control device 116 may be configured toreceive a user input, and may generate and transmit a signal (e.g., adigital message) for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104 in responseto the user input. The handheld remote control device 118 may be sizedto fit into a user's hand, and may be powered by a direct-current (DC)power source (e.g., a battery or an external DC power supply pluggedinto an electrical outlet). The handheld remote control device 118 maybe configured to receive a user input, and may generate and transmit asignal (e.g., a digital message) for controlling the lighting loads 102,104 in response to the user input. Examples of battery-powered remotecontrols are described in greater detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.No. 8,330,638, issued Dec. 11, 2012, entitled “Wireless Battery PoweredRemote Control Having Multiple Mounting Means,” and U.S. Pat. No.7,573,208, issued Aug. 11, 2009, entitled “Method Of Programming ALighting Preset From A Radio-Frequency Remote Control,” the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The control devices described herein (e.g., the dimmer switch 110 and/orremote control devices 112-118) may each include a user input unit. Theuser input unit may be configured to receive (e.g., detect) user inputsfor controlling one or more of the lighting loads 102, 104, and/or thecontrol device itself. A plurality of mechanisms for receiving the userinputs may be implemented on the user input unit, including, forexample, a rotating mechanism (e.g., such as a rotary knob or a dial), abutton or switch or an imitation thereof, and a touch sensitive device(e.g., such as a capacitive touch surface) configured to detect bothpoint actuations and gestures.

A point actuation, as described herein, may be characterized by acontact applied at a specific location of a detection surface (e.g., atouch sensitive surface). Examples of point actuations may include a“tap” or “poke” (e.g., a quick touch and release applied at a singlepoint of detection), a “press and hold” (e.g., a finger press applied ata single point of detection for a period of time), and a “double tap”(e.g., two taps applied in quick succession at a single point ofdetection). A user input device (e.g., which may include a touchsensitive surface and/or a touch sensitive circuit as described herein)may be configured to detect a point actuation and generate an outputsignal indicating the detection. Such a user input device may be furtherconfigured to interpret other types of user inputs as multiple,continuous point actuations. For example, the user input device may beconfigured to detect a finger sliding or dragging across a touchsensitive surface and interpret such a “slide” or “drag” as multiple,continuous point actuations. The user input device may generate multipleoutput signals in response to the “slide” or “drag” (e.g., one outputsignal corresponding to each of the point actuations).

A gesture, as described here, may be distinguishable from a pointactuation in at least a spatial and/or timing aspect. A gesture mayrepresent a motion associated with specific timing characteristics. Auser input device sensitive to gestures may be configured to detect agesture, interpret the gesture as a single action, and generate anoutput signal indicating the detection and/or action. Gestures may becontact based (e.g., effectuated via one or more physical contacts witha detection surface), or non-contact based (e.g., effectuated withoutdirect physical contact with a detection surface).

Contact based gestures, as described herein, may include a “swipe,” a“smack,” a multi-finger “pinch,” a multi-finger “spread” or “open,”and/or the like. A “smack” may be characterized by contacts applied atmultiple locations of a detection surface within a predetermined timewindow (e.g., a narrow time window for detecting simultaneity of thecontacts). Contacts with multiple locations may indicate that multiplefingers, palm of a hand, and/or the like, are involved, and a narrowtime window may indicate that the contacts are brief and simultaneous toindicate a smacking motion. A “swipe” may be characterized byconsecutive contacts with multiple locations within a brief time period.Consecutive contacts with multiple locations may indicate a movement(e.g., by one or more fingers) over the detection surface, and thebrevity of time may indicate that the movement was performed withquickness to indicate a swiping motion. A multi-finger “pinch” may becharacterized by multiple fingers (e.g., two fingers) moving together,and a multi-finger “spread” or “open” may be characterized by multiplefingers (e.g., two fingers) moving apart. It should be noted that theterms used to describe the above gestures may be varied and should notlimit the scope of the disclosure. Gestures may be user-programmable,reprogrammable, and custom gestures. For example, a user may pre-programa control device (e.g., via a mobile app) to recognize additionalgestures such as a “rotate,” a “zig-zag,” and/or a “circling” motion ascommands to control a certain operational aspect of an electrical load.

Non-contact based gestures, as described herein, may include varioushand, arm, or body movements in front of a detection surface. Forexample, the user input unit may be configured to detect, via acapacitive touch element, a finger hovering over a front surface of thecontrol device and interpret such a motion as a command to change astate of the control device or an electrical load controlled by thecontrol device. Such non-contact based gestures may be detected by atouch sensitive device (e.g., a capacitive based touch surface) evenwithout physical contact with the surface, for example, as long as thegestures are within a limited distance from the touch sensitive device(e.g., within 2 cm).

The control devices described herein (e.g., the dimmer switch 110 and/orremote control devices 112-118) may each include one or more visualindicators (e.g., a light bar) configured to be illuminated by one ormore light sources (e.g., one or more LEDs). The one or more visualindicators may be provided on the user input unit or may be separatefrom the user input unit. The one or more visual indicators may beoperable to provide feedback to a user of the control device. Suchfeedback may indicate, for example, a status of a lighting load (e.g.,the lighting loads 102, 104) controlled by the control device. Thestatus may reflect, for example, whether the lighting load is on or off,a present intensity of the lighting load, a color of the lighting load,and so on. The feedback may indicate a status of the control deviceitself, for example, such as a present operational mode of the controldevice (e.g., an intensity control mode or a color control mode), apower status of the control device (e.g., remaining battery power), andso on. As an example, the control device may provide feedback via thevisual indicators while the control device is being actuated and/orafter the control device is actuated. The feedback may indicate to theuser that the control device is transmitting control signals (e.g., RFsignals) in response to the actuation. The control device may beconfigured to keep the visual indicators illuminated while the conditiontriggering the feedback continues to exist. The control device may beconfigured to illuminate the visual indicators for a few seconds (e.g.,1-2 seconds) and then turn off the visual indicators (e.g., to conservebattery life).

The one or more visual indicators may be illuminated in response todetection of a user within close proximity of the control device. Suchdetection may be based on, for example, a finger hovering near the frontsurface of the control device, as described above. To illustrate, thevisual indicators may be dim (e.g., not illuminated) when the controldevice is in an idle state. As a user approaches the control device(e.g., as the user reaches for the control device with a finger or hand,but before the finger or hand actually touches the control device), thecontrol device may detect the proximity of the user (e.g., the user'sfinger or hand), and may illuminate the visual indicators in response tothe detection. As described above, the proximity of the user's finger orhand to the control device may be detected, for example, via acapacitive touch element comprised in the control device. The exactdistance between the user and the control device that may trigger theillumination of the visual indicator may vary, for example, depending onthe properties of the capacitive touch element employed.

The one or more visual indicators may assist with a control function ofthe control device. For example, the one or more visual indicators maybe illuminated to present virtual buttons on a touch sensitive surfaceof the control device. Each of the virtual buttons (e.g., illuminatedtouch sensitive areas) may be used, for example, to activate a presetassociated with one or more electrical loads (e.g., the lighting loads102, 104). Each of the virtual buttons (e.g., illuminated touchsensitive areas) may be used, for example, to activate an operationalmode associated with controlling one or more electrical loads (e.g., amode for controlling the lighting loads 102, 104, a mode for controllingone or more winter treatment devices, a mode for controlling a HVACsystem, etc.). Each of the virtual buttons (e.g., illuminated touchsensitive areas) may be used, for example, to activate control of aspecific electrical load or a zone including multiple electrical loads(e.g., a zone for one room, a zone for an entire house, etc.). Further,the one or more visual indicators (e.g., a light bar) may be illuminatedto display a color gradient representative of a plurality color settingsfor a lighting load. A user of the control device may actuate an area ofthe touch sensitive surface next to the color gradient to select acorresponding color for the lighting load.

The control devices described herein (e.g., the dimmer switch 110 and/orremote control devices 112-118) may each include a control circuit. Thecontrol circuit may be configured to be responsive to a user inputreceived via the user input unit. The control circuit may be configuredto generate control data (e.g., a control signal) for controlling thelighting loads 102, 104 in response to the user input. The control datamay include commands and/or other information for controlling thelighting loads 102, 104. The control data may be included in a controlsignal transmitted to the lighting loads 102, 104 via a wirelesscommunication circuit. The control circuit may be configured toilluminate the one or more visual indicators to provide feedback of thecontrol being applied and/or its outcome.

The control device may be configured to operate in multiple operationalmodes, and the control circuit may be configured to switch the controldevice from one mode to another. For example, the control circuit may beconfigured to switch the control device between an intensity controlmode for controlling an intensity of the lighting loads 102, 104 and acolor control mode for controlling a color of the lighting loads 102,104. The control circuit may be configured to provide feedback (e.g.,via the visual indicators described herein) about the operational modeof the control device.

The control devices described herein (e.g., the dimmer switch 110 and/orremote control devices 112-118) may each include a wirelesscommunication circuit for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency(RF) signals 108. The wireless communication circuit may be used totransmit a control signal that includes the control data (e.g., adigital message) generated by the control device to the lighting loads102, 104 or to a central controller of the lighting control system 100,for example. As described herein, the control data may be generated inresponse to a user input (e.g., a gesture) to adjust one or moreoperational aspects of the lighting loads 102, 104. The control data mayinclude a command and/or identification information (e.g., such as aunique identifier) associated with the control device and/or one or moreof the lighting loads 102, 104 (e.g., and/or other electrical loads ofthe load control system 100).

The control devices (e.g., the remote control devices 112-118) may beassociated with one or more lighting loads and/or other control devices(e.g., the dimmer switch 110) for controlling the lighting loads (e.g.,through a configuration procedure). Upon such association, the lightingloads 102, 104 may be responsive to control signals transmitted by thecontrol devices. To illustrate, the association may be accomplished byactuating an actuator on the concerned lighting loads and/or controldevices, and then actuating (e.g., pressing and holding) an actuator onthe control device for a predetermined amount of time (e.g.,approximately 10 seconds). Examples of a configuration procedure forassociating a control device with an electrical load is described ingreater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Publication No.2008/0111491, published May 15, 2008, entitled “Radio-Frequency LightingControl System,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference. The wireless communication circuit may also be controlledto transmit/receive feedback information regarding the control deviceand/or the lighting loads 102, 104 via RF signals.

The control device described herein (e.g., the dimmer switch 110 and/orremote control devices 112-118) may include a memory (not shown). Thememory may be used, for example, to store operational settingsassociated with the control device and/or the lighting loads 102, 104(e.g., such as lighting presets and their associated light intensitiesand/or colors). The memory may be implemented as an external integratedcircuit (IC) or as an internal circuit (e.g., as part of a controlcircuit).

Greater detail about the control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 110and/or remote control devices 112-118) will be provided herein withreference to FIGS. 2-13 and examples of a retrofit remote control device(e.g., such as the retrofit remote control device 112 of FIG. 1). Itshould be appreciate, however, that although examples are described withreference to a retrofit remote control device, the examples (e.g., thoserelated to gesture-based user interfaces) are applicable to other typesof control devices, including wall-mounted dimmer switches (e.g., suchas the dimmer switch 110), wall-mounted remote control devices (e.g.,such as the wall-mounted remote control 114), tabletop remote controldevices (e.g., such as the tabletop remote control 116), handheld remotecontrol devices (e.g., such as the handheld remote control 118), and/orthe like.

Further, it should be appreciated that, although a lighting controlsystem with two lighting loads is provided as an example above, a loadcontrol system as described herein may include more or fewer lightingloads, other types of lighting loads, and/or other types of electricalloads that may be configured to be controlled by the one or more controldevices. For example, the load control system may include one or moreof: a dimming ballast for driving a gas-discharge lamp; an LED driverfor driving an LED light source; a dimming circuit for controlling theintensity of a lighting load; a screw-in luminaire including a dimmercircuit and an incandescent or halogen lamp; a screw-in luminaireincluding a ballast and a compact fluorescent lamp; a screw-in luminaireincluding an LED driver and an LED light source; an electronic switch,controllable circuit breaker, or other switching device for turning anappliance on and off; a plug-in control device, controllable electricalreceptacle, or controllable power strip for controlling one or moreplug-in loads; a motor control unit for controlling a motor load, suchas a ceiling fan or an exhaust fan; a drive unit for controlling amotorized window treatment or a projection screen; one or more motorizedinterior and/or exterior shutters; a thermostat for a heating and/orcooling system; a temperature control device for controlling a setpointtemperature of a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC)system; an air conditioner; a compressor; an electric baseboard heatercontroller; a controllable damper; a variable air volume controller; afresh air intake controller; a ventilation controller; one or morehydraulic valves for use in radiators and radiant heating system; ahumidity control unit; a humidifier; a dehumidifier; a water heater; aboiler controller; a pool pump; a refrigerator; a freezer; a televisionand/or computer monitor; a video camera; an audio system or amplifier;an elevator; a power supply; a generator; an electric charger, such asan electric vehicle charger; an alternative energy controller; and/orthe like.

FIG. 2 depicts an example control device 200 that may be deployed as thedimmer switch 110 and/or the retrofit remote control device 112 in thelighting control system 100. The control device 200 may comprise a userinterface 202 and a faceplate 204. The user interface 202 may include atouch sensitive surface 206 (e.g., a capacitive touch surface) that isconfigured to receive (e.g., detect) inputs, such as gestures, from auser of the control device 200. The user interface 202 may also includea light bar 208 configured to be illuminated by one or more lightsources (e.g., one or more LEDs) to visibly display information.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict an example remote control device 220 that may bedeployed as the retrofit remote control device 112 in a the lightingcontrol system 100 and/or the control device 200 shown in FIG. 2. Thelighting control system 100 may include a mechanical switch 270 that maybe in place prior to installation of the remote control device 220(e.g., the mechanical switch 270 may be pre-existing in the lightingcontrol system). As shown, the mechanical switch 270 may be a standarddecorator paddle switch. The lighting control system 100 may furtherinclude one or more lighting loads, such as the lighting loads 102, 104.The mechanical switch 270 may be coupled in series electrical connectionbetween an AC power source (e.g., the AC power source 105 of FIG. 1) andthe one or more lighting loads. The mechanical switch 270 may include anactuator 272 that may be actuated to turn on and/or turn off, the one ormore lighting loads. The mechanical switch 270 may include a yoke 274that enables mounting of the mechanical switch 270 to a structure. Forexample, the yoke 274 may be fastened to a single-gang wallbox that isinstalled in an opening of a wall.

As shown, the example remote control device 220 may include an adapter210, a control unit 230, and a faceplate 260. Prior to installation ofthe remote control device 100, a pre-existing faceplate (not shown) maybe removed from the mechanical switch 270, for instance by removingfaceplate screws (no shown) from corresponding faceplate screw holes 276in the yoke 274. The adapter 210 may be made of any suitable material,such as plastic. The adapter 210 may be configured to be attached to theyoke 274 of the mechanical switch 270. For example, the adapter 210 maybe secured to the yoke 274 using fasteners, such as screws 211 that areinstalled into the faceplate screw holes 276 in the yoke 274. As shown,the adapter 210 may define an opening 212 that extends therethrough. Theopening 212 may be configured to receive a portion of the mechanicalswitch 270 that may include, for example, the actuator 272 and a frame273 that surrounds a perimeter of the actuator 272. The adapter 210 maydefine a rear surface 214 that is configured to abut a surface of astructure to which the mechanical switch 270 is installed, such as awallboard surface that surrounds a wallbox in which the mechanicalswitch 270 is installed.

The adapter 210 may be configured to enable removable attachment of thecontrol unit 230 to the adapter 210. For example, the adapter 210 maydefine one or more attachment members that are configured to engage withcomplementary features of the control unit 230. As shown, the adapter210 may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors 216 that areconfigured to engage with complementary features of the control unit230. The adapter 210 may be configured to enable removable attachment ofthe faceplate 260 to the adapter 210. For example, the adapter 210 maydefine one or more attachment members that are configured to engage withcomplementary features of the faceplate 260. As shown, the adapter 210may define one or more resilient snap fit connectors 218 that areconfigured to engage with complementary features of the faceplate 260.

The faceplate may define a front surface 261 and an opposed rear surface263. The front surface 261 may alternatively be referred to as an outersurface of the faceplate 260, and the rear surface 263 may alternativelybe referred to as an inner surface of the faceplate 260. The faceplate260 may define an opening 262 therethrough that is configured to receivea portion of the control unit 230, such that the control unit 230protrudes from the faceplate 260 when the remote control device 220 isin an assembled configuration. As shown, the faceplate 260 may definerecessed ledges 264 that are configured to engage with correspondingones of the snap fit connectors 218 of the adapter 210, to releasablyattach the faceplate 260 to the adapter 210. The faceplate 260 may bemade of any suitable material, such as plastic.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the control unit 230 may include a cover232, an insert 234 that is configured to be received in the cover 232,and a flexible circuit board 236 that may be configured to be wrappedaround a portion of the insert 234. The cover 232 and the insert 234 maybe made of any suitable material, such as plastic. The illustratedcontrol unit 230 is rectangular in shape and is elongate between a firstend 231 and an opposed second end 233. It should be appreciated that thecontrol unit 230 is not limited to the illustrated rectangular geometry,and that control unit may alternatively be configured with othersuitable geometries. In accordance with the illustrated orientation ofthe control unit 230, the first end 231 may be referred to as an upperend of the control unit 230 and the second end 233 may be referred to asa lower end of the control unit 230. The first and second ends 231, 233of the control unit 230 may also be referred to as first and second endsof the cover 232, respectively. The cover 232 may define a void 238 thatis configured to receive the insert 234 with the flexible circuit board236 wrapped around the insert 234 in an attached position. The cover 232may define an inner surface 242 and an opposed outer surface 244. Theouter surface 244 of the cover 232 may alternatively be referred to as afront surface of the cover 232, and more generally as an outer surfaceof the control unit 230.

The control unit 230 may include a touch sensitive device (e.g., acapacitive touch device) that is configured to receive (e.g., detect)inputs, such as gestures, from a user of the remote control device 220.For example, the flexible circuit board 236 may include one or morecapacitive touch elements on a capacitive touch circuit 240 of theflexible circuit board 236. As shown, the capacitive touch circuit 240faces the inner surface 242 of the cover 232 (e.g., behind the outersurface 244 of the control unit 230) when the flexible circuit board 236is wrapped around the insert 234 and disposed in the void 238. The oneor more capacitive touch elements on the capacitive touch circuit 240may form multiple (e.g., two) capacitive touch channels or zones 240 a,240 b that may be located on both sides of a central vertical axis ofthe capacitive touch circuit 240. The capacitive touch circuit 240 maybe configured to detect touches (e.g., gestures applied on the outersurface 244) along an x axis, a y axis, or both an x and y axis. Thecapacitive touch circuit 240 may be further configured to detectgestures that are effectuated without any physical contact with theouter surface 244. For example, the capacitive touch circuit 240 may becapable of detecting a hovering finger in the proximity of the outersurface 244 based on changes occurred in the electromagnetic field nearthe capacitive touch circuit 240. Since the capacitive touch circuit 240resides behind the outer surface 244 and is capable of detect userinputs applied via the outer surface 244, the outer surface 244 may alsobe regarded herein as a touch sensitive surface.

The control unit 230 may further include a control circuit (not shown)and a wireless communication circuit (not shown). The control circuitand the wireless communication circuit may be mounted to the flexiblecircuit board 236, for example. The control circuit may be in electricalcommunication with the capacitive touch circuit 240, and the wirelesscommunication circuit may be in electrical communication with thecontrol circuit. The flexible circuit board 236 may be configured towrap around the insert 234 such that the capacitive touch circuit 240 isspaced from the control circuit, the wireless communication circuit,and/or other “noisy” circuitry of the flexible circuit board 236 along adirection that extends perpendicular to the outer surface 244 of thecover 232. This arrangement may, for example, improve operationalefficiency of the capacitive touch circuit 240.

The control unit 230 may be configured to provide visual indicationsabout a status of an electrical load controlled by the remote controldevice 220 or a status of the remote control device 220 itself.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 230 may be configured toprovide visual indications related to a control function of the remotecontrol device 220 (e.g., such as preset selection or color control).The visual indications may be provided in response to receiving userinputs (e.g., such as gestures) via the capacitive touch circuit 240,for example.

The remote control device 220 may include a plurality of light sources246 (e.g., LEDs) that are configured to provide the visual indicationsdescribed herein. The plurality of light sources 246 may be arranged ina linear array that extends between the upper and lower ends 231, 233 ofthe control unit 230, and may be attached to the flexible circuit board236 approximate to an outer edge thereof. The cover 232 may define anopening that allows light from one or more of the light sources 246 tobe emitted outward from an interior of the cover 232. For example, asshown, the cover 232 defines a narrow slot 248 that extends between theupper and lower ends 231, 233 of the cover 232. The cover 232 mayinclude a light bar 249 that is disposed in the slot 248. The capacitivetouch circuit 240 may define a gap 241, for example approximately midwaybetween opposed sides of the flexible circuit board 236 or near a sidethereof. The control unit may further include a light guide 250 that maybe configured to diffuse light emitted from the light sources 246through the gap 241 at respective locations along the slot 248. Thelight guide 250 may comprise light guide film, for example. It should beappreciated that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to theillustrated array of light sources 246 and/or the illustrated geometryof the slot 248.

The control unit 230 may be configured to translate a user input, suchas a point actuation (e.g., a “tap”) or a gesture (e.g., such as a“swipe,” a “smack,” a two-finger “pinch,” a two-finger “open,” etc.),into control data (e.g., a control signal) for controlling one or moreelectrical loads (e.g., the lighting loads 102, 104 of FIG. 1)controlled by the remote control device 220. For example, the controlcircuit may be configured to receive signals (e.g., from the capacitivetouch circuit 240) that correspond to user inputs applied via thecapacitive touch circuit 240, interpret the received signals intovarious control commands, and generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to cause the commands to be executed. For example, the controlcircuit may be configured to, in response to a point actuation, generatefirst control data (e.g., a first control signal) for changing a firstcharacteristic of an electrical load, and in response to a gesture,generate second control data (e.g., a second control signal) forchanging a second characteristic of the electrical load.

It should be appreciated that the control unit 230 described herein isnot limited to interpreting signals associated with the above-describedexample gestures, and that the control unit 230 may be configured tointerpret signals associated with more, fewer, or different gestures asdesired. Gestures may be user-programmable, reprogrammable, and customgestures. Further, as shown, the capacitive touch circuit 240 defineslinear columns (e.g., one-dimensional columns) that may provide a Y-axisoutput. However, it should further be appreciated that the capacitivetouch circuit 240 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. Forexample, the capacitive touch circuit 240 may define, for example, oneor more linear columns that may provide respective Y-axis outputs, oneor more linear rows that provide respective X-axis outputs, or anycombination thereof. The capacitive touch circuit 240 may include, forexample, a two-dimensional touch element having both X-axis and Y-axisoutputs. Such implementations may enable the remote control device 200to control multiple electrical loads from the control unit 230. Forexample, gestures applied to a first capacitive touch column may causecommands to be issued to a first lighting load associated with the firstcapacitive touch column, gestures applied to a second capacitive touchcolumn may cause commands to be issued to a second lighting loadassociated with the second capacitive touch column, and gestures appliedsimultaneously to both the first and second capacitive touch columns maycause a command to be issued to both the first and second lightingloads.

FIGS. 4A-4H depicts an example control device 280 that may be deployedas the dimmer switch 110 and/or the retrofit remote control device 112in the lighting control system 100, as the control device 200, and/or asthe remote control device 220. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict examples of userinputs that may be recognized by the control device 280 and translatedinto respective control signals for adjusting an amount of powerdelivered to one or more electrical loads. The user inputs may beprovided via a touch sensitive surface 282 (e.g., the outer surface 244of the control unit 230), and may have different characteristics (e.g.,in term of spatial and/or timing properties) so that they may beinterpreted as commands to apply different types of control over theelectrical loads. For example, in FIG. 4A, the user input may becharacterized by a point actuation (e.g., a tap) applied to an area ofthe touch sensitive surface 282 adjacent to a light bar 284 (e.g., thelight bar 249 of the control unit 230). The user input may be detectedby a capacitive touch circuit (e.g., the capacitive touch circuit 240),and may cause a signal to be transmitted to a control circuit of thecontrol device 280 to indicate the detection. The signal may bereflective of the characteristics of a “tap.” The control circuit mayinterpret the signal based on the characteristics reflected therein, andgenerate corresponding control data (e.g., a control signal) to controlan electrical load controlled by the control device 280. For example,the control circuit may, in response to the user input depicted in FIG.4A, generate control data (e.g., a control signal) to set an amount ofpower delivered to a plurality of electrical loads to an absolute levelthat is dependent upon the location of the user input. This way, as theuser slides a finger along the light bar 284, the amount of powerdelivered to the electrical loads may be raised or lowered according tothe position of the finger along the length of the light bar 284.

In an illustrative example of applying such absolute control, thecontrol device 280 may control (e.g., may be associated with) first andsecond dimmable lighting loads (e.g., the lighting loads 102, 104 inFIG. 1) in a lighting control system. The control circuit may beconfigured to map multiple locations of the touch sensitive surface 282along the light bar 284 to respective absolute intensity levels for thelighting loads. For example, if the control circuit receives a signalindicating that a “tap” (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 4A) is detected at alocation corresponding to 25% intensity, the control circuit maygenerate control data (e.g., a control signal) to dim both the first andsecond lighting loads to 25% intensity. The control data may betransmitted to the lighting loads by a wireless communication circuit ofthe control device 280 via a control signal that includes the controldata.

The control device 280 may also be configured to, in certain situations,rescale the adjustment amount that corresponds to a point actuation(e.g., a “tap”) along the light bar 284. For example, the control device280 may be configured to apply such rescaling when the current intensitylevels of the lighting loads are near the low-end (e.g., 5%). In thosescenarios, the control device 280 (e.g., the control circuit of thecontrol device) may rescale the adjustment amount so that a user may beable to apply a smaller amount of adjustment to the concerned intensitylevels (e.g., fine-tuning) in response to a point actuation along thelight bar 284. The control circuit may be configured to perform therescaling in response to a user input (e.g., a gesture). For example,the user input may be a multi-finger “open” gesture applied to an areaof the touch responsive surface adjacent to the light bar 284. Thecontrol device 280 may rescale the adjustment amounts back to theiroriginal values (e.g., when the light intensities of the lighting loadsare no longer near the low-end) in response to a multi-finger “pinch”gesture applied to an area of the touch responsive surface adjacent tothe light bar 284.

In FIG. 4B, the user input may be characterized by contacts with thetouch sensitive surface 282 by multiple fingers (e.g., two fingers) inan area of the touch sensitive surface 282 adjacent to the light bar284. In an example, such contacts may be a multi-finger slide applied bya user along the light bar 284. The user may slide the multiple fingerssimultaneously (e.g., substantially simultaneously) along both sides ofthe light bar 284 to actuate two capacitive touch channels of thecapacitive touch circuit (e.g., the capacitive touch channels 240 a, 240b of the capacitive touch circuit 240). The control circuit may beconfigured to recognize such a user input as a command for applyingrelative control, and generate corresponding control data (e.g., acontrol signal) to adjust (e.g., gradually adjust) an amount of powerdelivered to a plurality of electrical loads by a relative adjustmentamount (e.g., relative to a starting level), while allowing the lightingloads to maintain respective absolute power levels that are differentfrom one another. For example, the control circuit may cause the powerdelivered to the electrical loads to be adjusted by a percentage basedon how far the fingers slide up or down the touch sensitive surface 282.The adjustment may be made gradually (e.g., at a predetermined rate) asthe fingers are moved across the touch sensitive surface 282.

In an illustrative example of relative control, the control device 280may control first and second dimmable lighting loads (e.g., the lightingloads 102, 104) in a lighting control system. The first lighting loadmay be powered at approximately 30% intensity, and the second lightingload may be powered at approximately 50% intensity. If the controlcircuit receives a signal indicating that a multi-finger slide (e.g., asdepicted in FIG. 4B) is applied via the touch sensitive surface 282, thecontrol circuit may issue one or more commands (e.g., one or morecontrol signals) to cause the first and second lighting loads to adjusttheir intensities by a same number of percentage points (e.g., 10percentage points) based on how far the fingers are moved across thetouch sensitive surface 282, while maintaining the difference in therespective intensities of the two lighting loads. As such, the firstlighting load may be controlled to 20% intensity, and the secondlighting load may be controlled to 40% intensity. Additionally oralternatively, based on how far the fingers are moved across the touchsensitive surface 282, the control circuit may be configured to issueone or more commands (e.g., one or more control signals) to cause thefirst and second lighting loads to adjust their intensity by apercentage of their respective present intensity levels. For example,the control circuit may instruct the first and second lighting loads toreduce their respective intensity levels by 10% of the present levels(e.g., as opposed to 10 percentage points). As such, the first lightingload may be controlled to 27% intensity (e.g., 10% down the previouslevel of 30%), and the second lighting load may be controlled to 45%intensity (e.g., 10% down the previous level of 50%).

The control device 280 may be configured to, in certain situations,rescale the relative adjustment amount that corresponds to a user input(e.g., a multi-finger slide). The control device 280 may be configuredto apply such rescaling to accomplish fine-tune adjustments of theintensity of a lighting load. The control device 280 (e.g., the controlcircuit of the control device 280) may rescale the relative adjustmentamount as a function of the current intensity level of the lighting loadand the distance between a starting location of the user input and anend of the touch sensitive surface 282. For example, when raising theintensity levels of the lighting loads, the control circuit may rescalethe relative adjustment amount so that a user may change the intensitylevel of the lighting load from a present intensity to a high-endintensity over the distance from an initial location of the user input(e.g., a starting point of the user input) and the top of the touchsensitive surface 282. When lowering the intensity level of a lightingload, the control circuit may rescale the relative adjustment amount sothat a user may change the intensity level from a present intensity to alow-end intensity over the distance from an initial location of the userinput and the bottom of the touch sensitive surface 282. To illustrate,if the current intensity of the lighting load is at 20%, the controlcircuit may rescale the relative adjustment amount so that a user may beable to dim the intensity down from 20% to a minimum intensity (e.g., toan off state) over the distance from a starting point of the user inputto the bottom of the touch sensitive surface 282. Similarly, if thecurrent intensity of the lighting load is at 80%, the control circuitmay rescale the relative adjustment amount so that a user may be able toraise the intensity from 80% to a maximum intensity over the distancefrom a starting point of the user input to the top of the touchsensitive surface 282.

The control device 280 may be configured to perform the rescaling inresponse to a user input. Such a user input may be any of the pointactuations or gestures described herein. For example, to fine-tune theintensity of a lighting load near the low-end, a user may press and holda finger near the top of the touch sensitive surface 282. In response tosuch press-and-hold, the control circuit may rescale the relativeadjustment amount over the distance between the location of thepress-and-hold and the bottom of the touch sensitive surface 282. Thisway, as the user slides the finger across the touch sensitive surface282, the intensity of the lighting load may be adjusted down from thepresent level based on the location of the finger.

The control circuit may be configured to perform rescaling for onelighting load and for multiple lighting loads. In the case of multiplelighting loads, the control circuit may rescale the relative adjustmentamount based on the intensity of one of the lighting loads. For example,when raising the intensities of the multiple lighting loads, the controlcircuit may rescale the relative adjustment amount based on the lightingload that has the highest intensity level. When lowering the intensitiesof the multiple lighting loads, the control circuit may rescale therelative adjustment amount based on the lighting load that has thelowest intensity level.

Rescaling may also be accomplished if the control circuit is configuredto translate a user input (e.g., a multi-finger slide) into anadjustment amount that is a percentage of the respective currentintensity levels of the multiple lighting loads (e.g., rather thanabsolute percentage points). Using such an approach, a user may be ableto utilize the distance between the top and bottom of the touchsensitive surface 282 near the light bar 284 to effectuate an adjustmentthat may range between 0-100% of the current intensity levels.

The control device 280 may be configured to provide a visual indicationin response to detecting the user inputs depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B.For example, the control circuit of the control device 280 may beconfigured to, upon receiving a signal that is indicative of a usercommand to set an amount of power delivered to an electrical load to anabsolute level (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 4A), indicate the level on thelight bar 284. For example, the control circuit may illuminate the lightbar 249 to an intensity proportional to the absolute level (e.g., ahigher intensity for a higher power level). Alternatively oradditionally, the control circuit may illuminate the light bar 284 alonga length that extends from the bottom of the light bar to a positionalong the length of the light bar. The length of such an illumination(e.g., as defined by an amount of the light bar 284 that is illuminated)may correspond to and be indicative of the absolute level of powerdelivered to the electrical load. The illumination may fade away after apredetermined amount of time, or be maintained until the nextadjustment.

In another example, the control circuit of the control device 280 may beconfigured to, upon receiving a signal from the capacitive touch circuitindicative of a user command to change an amount of power delivered toan electrical load by a relative amount (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 4B),illuminate the light bar 284 in a particular manner to indicate thatrelative control is being applied. For instance, the control circuit maybe configured to, in response to detecting a user input for relativecontrol, illuminate the light bar 284 into a specific pattern (e.g.,multiple segments of varying intensities or colors). The control circuitmay be further configured to alter the illumination pattern (e.g.,successively alter the intensities or colors of the multiple segments)for the duration of the user input, so that an animation (e.g.,imitation of a moving scrollbar and/or ridges of a scroll wheel) may bedisplayed on the light bar 284 to indicate that the power delivered tothe electrical loads is being gradually adjusted (e.g., by apredetermined amount at a time). The animation may move at a constantrate as the control is being applied or with varying speed dependentupon the user input (e.g., to match the position and/or speed of theuser input). Alternatively, the control circuit may be configured toilluminate the light bar 284 (e.g., in a manner similar to theindication of an absolute power level described above) to indicate anaverage of the power levels at a plurality of electrical loads.

FIGS. 4C and 4D depict examples of additional user inputs (e.g., such asgestures) that may be recognized by the control device 280 andtranslated into control data (e.g., a control signal) for controlling anelectrical load. The user inputs may be applied via the touch sensitivesurface 282 of the control device 280 with or without physicallycontacting the surface. As shown in FIG. 4C, for example, the user inputmay be an upward “swipe” gesture, as described herein. The gesture maybe detected by the capacitive touch circuit, which may cause a signal tobe transmitted to the control circuit of the control device 280 toindicate the detection. For example, the signal may indicate to thecontrol circuit that the user input has the characteristics of an upward“swipe.” The control circuit may interpret the signal based on thecharacteristics reflected therein, and generate corresponding controldata (e.g., a control signal) to control an electrical load controlledby the control device 280.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4D, the user input may be a downward “swipe”gesture. The gesture be detected by the capacitive touch circuit, whichmay cause a signal to be transmitted to the control circuit of thecontrol device 280. The signal may indicate, for example, that the userinput has the characteristics of a downward “swipe.” The control circuitmay interpret the signal based on the characteristics reflected therein,and generate corresponding control data (e.g., a control signal) tocontrol an electrical load controlled by the control device 280.

Although FIGS. 4C and 4D depict upward and downward swipes, it should beappreciated that a swipe gesture can be applied in other directionsand/or manners. For example, a swipe may be applied in a horizontaldirection in either a left-to-right or right-to-left direction, ordiagonally from one area of the touch sensitive surface 280 to another.The scope of the disclosure herein with respect to a “swipe” is notlimited to any particular manner in which the swipe is applied.

The control circuit may be configured to interpret a user inputcorresponding to a “swipe” gesture as a command for an associatedelectrical load to enter a particular state. Such a particular state maybe predetermined, and may correspond to, for example, an on/off state ofthe electrical load, a specific power level of the electrical load(e.g., a desired intensity level of a lighting load), a particularsetting of the electrical load (e.g., a temperature setting of an HVACsystem), and/or the like. For example, upon receiving a signalindicative of a “swipe” gesture in an upward direction, the controlcircuit may be configured to generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to cause a lighting load to go to a full intensity dimming level(e.g., a high-end intensity). And upon receiving a signal indicative ofa “swipe” gesture in a downward direction, the control circuit may beconfigured to generate control data (e.g., a control signal) to cause alighting load to go to a minimal dimming level (e.g., a low-endintensity, such as 1% or off).

The control circuit may be configured to interpret a signalcorresponding to a “swipe” gesture as a command to switch the controldevice 280 into a specific operational mode. Such an operational modemay be, for example, an intensity control mode or a color control modefor a lighting load, a preset selection mode, an absolute or relativepower control mode, and/or the like. For example, the control device 280may be configured to, by default, operate in an intensity control mode.Upon receiving a signal indicative of a “swipe” gesture in aright-to-left direction, the control circuit may be configured to switchthe control device 280 from the intensity control mode to a colorcontrol mode.

The control device 280 may be configured to provide a visual indicationin response to detecting the user inputs depicted in FIGS. 4C and 4D.For example, if the control circuit is configured to put an associatedelectrical load into a particular state in response to detecting a“swipe” gesture, the control circuit may be further configured toilluminate the light bar 284 to indicate the particular state. Forinstance, upon controlling a lighting load to go to a full intensitydimming level (e.g., a high-end intensity) or a minimal dimming level(e.g., a low-end intensity, such as 1% or off), the control circuit mayilluminate the light bar 284 to indicate the respective dimming levels,as described above.

Relevant features described herein with reference to FIGS. 4C and 4D maybe applicable to other types of user inputs. For example, the touchsensitive surface 282 may be configured to be responsive to a “tap” or“poke” applied at a specific location of the touch sensitive surface.Such a “tap” or “poke” may, for example, be characterized by atouch-and-release, as described herein. The control circuit may beconfigured to interpret such a user input as a command for an associatedelectrical load to go to a desired power level, such as a command for alighting load to go to a desired dimming level. The desired power levelmay be dependent upon a location on the touch sensitive surface 280 atwhich the “tap” or “poke” is detected (e.g., such as a position alongthe light bar 284). The control circuit may generate control data (e.g.,a control signal) to cause the command to be executed.

The touch sensitive surface 282 may be configured to be responsive to a“smack” gesture. Such a “smack” gesture may, for example, becharacterized by contacts with the touch sensitive surface 282 atmultiple locations within a predetermined time window (e.g., indicativeof multiple fingers contact the surface simultaneously, palm of a handcontacting the surface, etc.). The contacts may be determined to occurin a larger area of the touch sensitive surface 282 than that associatedwith a “tap” or “poke,” which may be effectuated by a single finger. Thecontrol circuit may be configured to interpret such a gesture as acommand to toggle a state of an associated electrical load, for examplefrom on to off or from off to on. In an example, the control circuit maybe configured to, upon toggling an associated electrical load on inresponse to a “smack” gesture, put the associated electrical load into alast-known state (e.g., a state before the associated electrical loadwas turned off). Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit maybe configured to interpret a “smack” gesture as a command for anassociated electrical load to enter a predetermined state, including,for example, a particular power state of the electrical load (e.g., adesired intensity level of a lighting load), a particular setting of theelectrical load (e.g., a temperature setting of an HVAC system), and/orthe like.

The control device 280 may be used to control the color of light emittedby a lighting load. To facilitate a color control operation, the controldevice 280 may be configured to provide one or more visual indicationson a front surface of the control device to assist with the colorcontrol operation. Such visual indications may be provided, for example,on the touch sensitive surface 282 of the control device 280. The visualindications may include a color gradient and/or one or more backlitvirtual buttons that may be used to adjust a color setting of thelighting load.

FIG. 4E depicts an example of a color gradient that may be provided onthe control device 280 to facilitate a color control operation. A colorgradient, as described herein, may refer to any visual representation ofa set of colors arranged in accordance to an order. The number of colorsand the order in which those colors are arranged may vary from oneimplementation to the next, and should not limit the scope of thisdisclosure. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4E, a color gradientis provided on the light bar 284 that extends through the touchsensitive surface 282 of the control device 280. It should beappreciated, however, that the presentation of such a color gradient isnot limited to any particular location, and does not need to be in a barshape. Further, it should be noted that the color gradient may beapplied to the colors associated with the color temperatures of a blackbody radiator.

The control device 280 (e.g., a control circuit of the control device280) may be configured to present the color gradient in response to auser input. The user input may be, for example, a gesture applied to thetouch sensitive surface 280 of the control device 280 (e.g., a “swipe”or “smack” gesture). The control circuit may be configured to beresponsive to such gestures and illuminate the light bar 284 to presentthe color gradient in response. Alternatively or additionally, the userinput may be a gesture effectuated without any physical contact with thecontrol device 280. For example, the capacitive touch circuit of thecontrol device 280 may be configured to detect a finger or hand hoveringover the touch sensitive surface 282, and transmit a signal to thecontrol circuit indicating such detection (e.g., the detection may moregenerally indicate proximity of a user to the control device 280). Thecontrol circuit may, in response to receiving the signal, illuminate thelight bar 284 to present the color gradient.

The control circuit may be configured to present the color gradient indifferent ways. In an example, the control circuit may illuminate thelight bar 284 with different colors each centering in a portion of thelight bar 284 and gradually transitioning into the color of aneighboring portion. The different colors may be arranged in an orderreflective of the respective red/green/blue (RGB) values of the colors,for example. Each of the colors displayed on the light bar 284 (e.g.,the location of the corresponding color) may correspond to a desiredcolor for one or more lighting loads controlled by the control device280. The relationship between desired light colors for the lightingloads and positions along the color gradient (e.g., the respectivelocations of the colors on the light bar 284) may be stored, forexample, in a memory of the control device 280.

To select a color for the one or more lighting loads, a user of thecontrol device 280 may manipulate an area of the touch sensitive surface282 adjacent to one of the colors displayed on the light bar 284 tocause an actuation of the capacitive touch circuit. The actuation maybe, for example, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). Thecapacitive touch circuit may be configured to detect the actuation, andtransmit a signal to the control circuit indicating the actuation (e.g.,indicating the location of the actuation). Upon receiving the signal,the control circuit may determine a color corresponding to the locationof the actuation, and generate control data (e.g., a control signal) toset a color of the one or more lighting loads to the determined color.For instance, the control circuit may be capable of identifying whichcolor of the gradient displayed on the light bar 284 is adjacent to thelocation of actuation, and set the color of the lighting loads to theidentified color. This way, as a user slides a finger along the lightbar 284, the color of the lighting loads may be adjusted accordinglybased on the position of the finger along the length of the light bar284.

The control circuit may be configured to assign a color to multiplelighting loads (e.g., in a zone controlled by the control device 280) inresponse to a single “tap” along the color gradient. Alternatively, thecontrol circuit may be configured to assign a color for one lightingload in the zone of control in response to each “tap,” and assign thecolor to additional lighting loads in the zone of control in response toadditional “taps” by a user. Further, the control circuit may beconfigured to, in response to a first “tap” by a user, associate a firstcolor to one or more lighting loads, and, in response to a second “tap”by a user, associate a second color to the one or more lighting loads.The control circuit may be further configured to cause the one or morelighting loads to dynamically switch between the first and secondassociated colors (e.g., at a predetermine rate or in accordance with anexternal condition).

A user may manipulate the touch sensitive surface 282 to change thecolor gradient displayed on the light bar 284. For example, the controlcircuit may initially illuminate the light bar 284 into a first set ofcolors (e.g., to present a first color gradient on the light bar 284).Each of the first set of colors may represent a section of the visiblecolor spectrum that corresponds to a specific wavelength range. A usermay manipulate an area of the touch sensitive surface 282 adjacent toone of the first set of colors to cause an actuation of the capacitivetouch circuit. The actuation may be, for example, a two-finger “open”gesture (e.g., fingers moving apart) or a force (e.g., via a fingerpress) applied next to one of the first set of colors. The capacitivetouch circuit may be configured to detect the actuation, and transmit asignal to the control circuit indicating the actuation. The controlcircuit may determine, based on the signal, a section of the colorspectrum that corresponds to the location of the actuation, and controlthe one or more light sources to illuminate the light bar so that thefirst set of colors is replaced with a second set of colors (e.g., topresent a second color gradient on the light bar 284). The second set ofcolors may correspond to colors that are within the section of the colorspectrum associated with the location of the actuation (e.g., the secondcolor gradient may represents a smaller range of the first colorgradient). A user may then set a color for one or more lighting loadscontrolled by the control device 280 by actuating an area of the touchsensitive surface 282 next to one of the second set of colors, asdescribed above.

While the second set of colors (e.g., the second color gradient) isdisplayed on the light bar 284, the control circuit may be configured tochange the display to revert to the first set of colors (e.g., the firstcolor gradient) in response to a user input. For example, the controlcircuit may receive a signal indicating that of a two-finger “pinch”gesture (e.g., fingers moving together) or a force (e.g., applied via afinger press) is detected by the touch sensitive surface 282 in an areaadjacent to the second color gradient. The control circuit may interpretsuch a signal as a command to switch the display on the light bar 284back to the first color gradient, and may control the light bar 284 toeffectuate the switch accordingly.

FIG. 4F depicts an example of another mechanism for adjusting a color(e.g., color temperature) of one or more lighting loads controlled bythe control device 280. Although described with reference to colortemperature control, it should be appreciated that the mechanism anduser control described with reference to FIG. 4F may also be applied tofull range color control. As shown, areas of the outer surface 244 maybe backlit to display soft or virtual buttons 290 a, 290 b, and/orindicator lights 292. The virtual buttons 290 a, 290 b and/or indicatorlights 292 may be configured to be backlit by the light bar 284. Thecontrol circuit may be configured to dim the backlighting (e.g., turnoff the backlighting or make it not easily perceivable by a user) whenthe control device 280 is in a different operational mode or in an idlestate so that a first user interface may be presented to a user of thecontrol device 280. The control circuit may then illuminate thebacklighting to reveal the virtual buttons 290 a, 290 b and/or theindicator lights 292 in response to a user input or a particular event(e.g., a predetermined timing event) so that a second user interface maybe presented to the user. Alternatively, the control circuit may beconfigured to maintain the backlighting in an “on” state so that thevirtual buttons are always shown on the control device 280.

The user input that may trigger the display of the virtual buttons 290a, 290 b and/or the indicator lights 292 may be, for example, a gestureapplied to the touch sensitive surface 282 of the control device 280(e.g., a “swipe” or “smack” gesture). As described herein, such agesture may trigger to the control circuit to change the control device280 into a color control mode. Alternatively or additionally, the userinput may be a gesture effectuated without any physical contact with thecontrol device 280. For example, the capacitive touch circuit of thecontrol device 280 may be configured to be responsive to a finger orhand hovering over the touch sensitive surface 282, and transmit asignal to the control circuit to indicate such detection (e.g., thedetection may more generally indicate proximity of a user to the controldevice 280). The control circuit may, in response to receiving thesignal, activate the backlighting to reveal the virtual buttons 290 a,290 b and/or the indicator lights 292.

The areas of the touch sensitive surface 282 that correspond to thevirtual buttons 290 a, 290 b may be associated with adjusting (e.g.,increasing and decreasing) the color temperature of one or more lightingloads controlled by the control device 280. For example, a user may makecontact with the area of the touch sensitive surface 282 occupied byvirtual button 290 a to cause an actuation of the capacitive touchcircuit. The actuation may be, for example, a point actuation (e.g., a“tap” or “poke”). In response to the actuation, a signal may betransmitted to the control circuit indicating that virtual button 290 ahas been actuated. The control circuit may interpret the actuation as acommand to increase the color temperature of the lighting loads, andgenerate control data (e.g., a control signal) to effectuate theincrease accordingly. The increase may be, for example, a gradualincrease (e.g., by a predetermined amount at each step) while theactuation (e.g., a press-and-hold) lasts, or a one-time increase (e.g.,by a predetermined amount) in response to the actuation (e.g., a “tap”).

Similarly, the capacitive touch circuit may be configured to detect thatthe area of the touch sensitive surface 282 occupied by the virtualbuttons 290 b has been actuated. The actuation may be, for example, apoint actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). The capacitive touch circuitmay detect the actuation, and a signal may be transmitted to the controlcircuit indicating that the actuation has occurred. The control circuitmay be configured to interpret the actuation as a command to decreasethe color temperature of the lighting loads, and generate control data(e.g., a control signal) to effectuate the decrease accordingly. Thedecrease may be, for example, a gradual decrease (e.g., by apredetermined amount at each step) while the actuation (e.g., apress-and-hold) lasts, or a one-time decrease (e.g., by a predeterminedamount) in response to the actuation (e.g., a “tap”).

The control circuit of the control device 280 may be configured toilluminate the indicator lights 292 to provide feedback about colortemperature adjustments in response to the virtual buttons 290 a, 290 bbeing actuated. For example, as the user actuates the virtual button 90a, the indicator lights 292 may be turn on one after another from bottomup to signal that the color temperature of the lighting load is beingincreased. As the user actuates the virtual button 290 b, the indicatorlights 292 may be turned off one after another from top to bottom tosignal that the color temperature of the lighting load is beingdecreased.

The control circuit of the control device 280 may be further configuredto illuminate the light bar 284 to indicate a current color temperatureof the one or more lighting loads controlled by the control device 280.For example, the control circuit may illuminate a selected number oflight sources to cause the light bar 284 to be illuminated to differentintensities and/or lengths in proportion to a current color temperatureof the one or more lighting loads. For instance, the light bar 284 maybe illuminated to a higher intensity and/or a greater length in responseto a higher color temperature.

The control device 280 may be used to activate a preset, zone, or anoperational mode associated with one or more electrical loads. A presetmay correspond to one or more predetermined settings of the one or moreelectrical loads. The electrical loads may be located at a specificlocation (e.g., a living room) or across multiple locations (e.g.,different rooms of a house). For example, a preset may correspond to apreconfigured lighting scene (e.g., predetermined intensity/colorsettings of one or more lighting loads), a preconfigured combination ofentertainment settings (e.g., music selection, volume of speakers,etc.), a preconfigured combination of environmental settings (e.g.,temperature, humidity, shades, etc.), and/or any combination thereof.Such presets may be configured via the control device 280 and/or via anexternal device (e.g., a mobile device) by way of a wirelesscommunication circuit of the control device 280. A zone may correspondto one or more electrical loads that are configured to be controlled bythe control device 380. A zone may be associated with one specificlocation (e.g., a living room) or multiple locations (e.g., an entirehouse with multiple rooms and hallways). An operational mode of thecontrol device 380 may be associated with controlling different types ofelectrical loads or different operational aspects of one or moreelectrical loads. Examples of operational modes may include a lightingcontrol mode for controlling one or more lighting loads (e.g.,controlling intensity and/or color of the lighting loads), anentertainment system control mode (e.g., controlling music selectionand/or the volume of an audio system), an HVAC system control mode, awinter treatment device control mode (e.g., for controlling one or moreshades), and/or the like. Once configured, the presets, zones, oroperational modes may be stored by the control device 280 in memory.

FIG. 4G depicts an example of a user interface that may be provided onthe touch sensitive surface 282 of the control device 280 to facilitatepreset, zone, and/or operational mode selection. As shown, areas of thetouch sensitive surface may be illuminated (e.g., backlit) to displaysoft or virtual buttons 294 a, 294 b, 294 c. The illuminated areas mayhave different shapes, such as, for example, circles, squares,rectangles, etc. The illuminated areas may be backlit with differentintensities or colors that represent the preset, zone, or operationalmode to be selected (e.g., an average intensity of an intensity presetor a dominant color of a color preset). The areas may be thinned outcompared to the rest of the touch sensitive surface to allowbacklighting to emit through the thinned-out areas. The areas may beassociated with respective indicia (e.g., texts or graphics) thatindicate the purposes of the virtual buttons 294 a-294 c. Backlightingmay be provided, for example, by light sources (e.g., LEDs) of thecontrol device 280. The control circuit may be configured to dim thebacklighting (e.g., turn off the backlighting or make it not easilyperceivable by a user) when the control device 280 is in a differentoperational mode or in an idle state so that a first user interface maybe presented to a user of the control device 280. The control circuitmay illuminate the backlighting to reveal the virtual buttons 294 a-294c in response to a user input or a particular event (e.g., apredetermined timing event) so that a second user interface may bepresented to the user. Alternatively, the control circuit of the controldevice 180 may be configured to maintain the backlighting in an “on”state so that the virtual buttons are always shown on the control device280.

The user input that may trigger the display of the virtual buttons 294a-294 c may be, for example, a gesture applied to the touch sensitivesurface 282 of the control device 280 (e.g., a “swipe” or “smack”gesture). Such a gesture may be detected by the capacitive touchcircuit, which may transmit a signal to the control circuit to indicatethe detection. The control circuit may, in response to receiving thesignal, activate the backlighting to reveal the virtual buttons 294 a,294 b, 294 c. Alternatively or additionally, the user input may be agesture effectuated without any physical contact with the control device280. For example, the capacitive touch circuit of the control device 280may be configured to be responsive to a finger or hand hovering over thetouch sensitive surface 280, and transmit a signal to the controlcircuit to indicate such detection (e.g., the detection may moregenerally indicate proximity of a user to the control device 280). Thecontrol circuit may, in response to receiving the signal, activate thebacklighting to reveal the virtual buttons 294 a, 294 b, 294 c.

The areas of the touch sensitive surface 282 that correspond to thevirtual buttons 294 a-294 c may be designated for activating respectivepresets, zones, or operational modes associated with one or moreelectrical loads controlled by the control device 280. The associationbetween the virtual buttons 294 a-294 c (e.g., locations of the virtualbuttons 294 a-294 c) and the presets, zones, or operational modes may bestored, for example, in a memory of the control device 280. Toillustrate, a user of the control device 280 may make contact with thearea of the touch sensitive surface 282 occupied by virtual button 294 ato cause an actuation of the capacitive touch circuit. The actuation maybe, for example, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). Inresponse to the actuation, the capacitive touch circuit may transmit asignal to the control circuit indicating that virtual button 294 a hasbeen actuated. The control circuit may interpret the actuation as acommand to activate a first preset (e.g., a first lighting scene), afirst zone (e.g., which may include one or more electrical loads at aspecific location such as a room or an entire house), or a firstoperational mode (e.g., a lighting control mode, a window treatmentcontrol mode, an HVAC control mode, etc.), and generate control data(e.g., a control signal) to effectuate the activation accordingly.

Similarly, the capacitive touch circuit may be configured to detect thatthe area of the touch sensitive surface 282 occupied by virtual button294 b (or 294 c) has been actuated by, for example, a point actuation(e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). In response to the actuation, the capacitivetouch circuit may transmit a signal to the control circuit indicatingthat virtual button 294 b (or 294 c) has been actuated. The controlcircuit may interpret the actuation as a command to activate a secondpreset (e.g., an entertainment scene), a second zone, or a secondoperational mode if the actuated button is virtual button 294 b, or toactivate a third preset (e.g., a second lighting scene), a third zone,or a third operational mode if the actuated button is virtual button 294c. The control circuit may generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to effectuate either activation accordingly.

The control circuit may be further configured to provide an indicationabout which preset, zone, or operational mode has been activated. Forexample, the control circuit may illuminate the light bar 284 indifferent manners (e.g., with varying intensity and/or color)corresponding to different presets, zones, or operational mode beingactivated. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit mayuniquely illuminate the virtual button associated with an activatedpreset, zone, or operational mode (e.g., to cause the virtual button toflash) to inform the user of the activated preset, zone, or operationalmode.

A user may use a gesture to cycle through a plurality of presets, zones,or operational modes on the touch sensitive surface 282 of the controldevice 280. For example, there may be more presets, zones, oroperational modes configured in a load control system than what can bedisplayed on the touch sensitive surface 282 of the control device 280.In those scenarios, a user may apply a gesture (e.g., a “swipe”) via thetouch sensitive surface 282, and the control circuit may be configuredto, in response to the gesture, replace a first set of presets, zones,or operational modes that may be activated via the virtual buttons 294a-294 c with a second set. This way, the user may be able to cyclethrough all available presets, zones, or operational modes to choose onethat meets the user's needs. The control circuit may be furtherconfigured to change the indicia associated with the virtual buttons 294a-294 c to indicate currently associated presets, zones, or operationalmodes.

FIG. 4H depicts another example of a user interface that may be providedon the touch sensitive surface 282 of the control device 280 tofacilitate preset, zone, and operational selections. As shown, thecontrol circuit of the control device 280 may illuminate the light bar284 to display discrete points 296 of illumination. For example, thediscrete points 296 may correspond to different segments of the lightbar 284 illuminated to different intensities and/or colors, or segmentsof the light bar 284 that may be illuminated to a same intensity and/orcolor but separated by segments of different intensities and/or colors.Each of the discrete points 296 (e.g., the location of each discretepoint) may correspond to a preset associated with one or more electricalloads controlled by the control device 280, a zone including one or moreelectrical loads, or an operational mode associated with controlling oneor more electrical loads. The illumination of the discrete points 296may be based on their respective associated presets, zones, oroperational modes. For example, when a discrete point is associated witha preset that corresponds to a lighting scene, the correspondingdiscrete point on the light bar 284 may be illuminated to display thedominant color of the lighting scene. Alternatively, the illumination ofthe corresponding discrete point on the light bar 284 may beperiodically altered (e.g., at a predetermined rate) to display eachlight color of the lighting scene (e.g., to cycle through the colors ofthe lighting loads in the lighting scene). The relationship between thepresets, zones, or operational modes and the discrete points 296 of thelight bar 284 (e.g., the respective locations of the illuminatedsegments) may be stored, for example, in a memory of the control device280. The control circuit of the control device 280 may be configured tokeep the light bar 284 illuminated in the aforementioned manner.Alternatively, the control circuit may be configured to dim the lightbar 284 (e.g., turn off the illumination or make it not easilyperceivable by a user) when the control device 280 is in a differentoperational mode or in an idle state, and illuminate the light bar 284to reveal the multiple discrete points 296 in response to a user inputor a particular event (e.g., a predetermined timing event).

The user input that may trigger the display of the discrete points 296on the light bar 284 may be, for example, a gesture applied to the touchsensitive surface 282 of the control device 280 (e.g., a “swipe” or“smack” gesture). Alternatively or additionally, the user input may be agesture effectuated without any physical contact with the control device280. For example, the capacitive touch circuit of the control device 280may be configured to be responsive to a finger or hand hovering over thetouch sensitive surface 282, and transmit a signal to the controlcircuit to indicate such detection (e.g., the detection may moregenerally indicate proximity of a user to the control device 280). Thecontrol circuit may, in response to receiving the signal, illuminate thelight bar 284 to display the multiple discrete points 296 for preset,zone, or operational mode selection.

To activate a specific preset, zone, or operational mode, a user maymanipulate an area of the touch sensitive surface 282 adjacent to one ofthe multiple discrete points 296 of the light bar 284 to cause anactuation of the capacitive touch circuit. The actuation may be, forexample, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). The capacitivetouch circuit may be configured to detect the actuation, and transmit asignal to the control circuit indicating the actuation. Upon receivingthe signal, the control circuit may determine a location of theactuation, and generate control data (e.g., a control signal) toactivate the preset, zone, or operational mode associated with thedetermined location (e.g., based on the stored relationship describedabove).

The control circuit may be further configured to provide an indicationof which preset, zone, or operational mode has been activated. Forexample, once a user has activated a preset, zone, or operational mode,the control circuit may uniquely illuminate one of the discrete points296 of the light bar 284 corresponding to the activated preset, zone, oroperational mode (e.g., the discrete points 296′). The uniqueillumination may be realized, for example, by flashing the relevantdiscrete point or illuminating the discrete point with a higherintensity so that it is highlighted relative to the other discretepoints.

In addition to or in lieu of the user interfaces described withreference to FIGS. 4G and 4H, the control device 280 may be configuredto associate particular user gestures with presets, zones, oroperational modes, and generate control data (e.g., a control signal) toactivate a preset, zone, or operational mode in response to detecting anassociated gesture. The gestures may be applied via the capacitive touchcircuit of the control device 280. The gestures may be applied by directcontact with the touch sensitive surface 282 of the control device 280(e.g., a “swipe,” a “smack,” etc.), via proximity of anatomy to thetouch sensitive surface 282 (e.g., by hovering a finger over the touchsensitive surface 282), or otherwise. The association of user gestureswith presets, zones, or operational modes may be user-programmable andreprogrammable. The association may be stored, for example, in a memoryof the control device 280. The capacitive touch circuit may beconfigured to detect a gesture, and transmit a signal to a controlcircuit of the control device 280 indicating the detection of thegesture. The control circuit may, in response, identify a preset, zone,or operational mode associated with the gesture, and generate controldata (e.g., a control signal) to activate the preset, zone, oroperational mode.

Although described as separate mechanisms and user inputs in FIG. 4A-H,it should be appreciated that the control device 280 may incorporate anynumber and/or combinations of the mechanisms and user inputs describedwith reference to FIG. 4A-H.

FIG. 5 depicts another example control device 300 that may be deployedas the dimmer switch 110 and/or the retrofit remote control device 112in the lighting control system 100. The lighting control system 100 mayinclude one or more lighting loads, such as the lighting loads 102, 104.The control device 300 may comprise a user interface 302 and a faceplate304. The user interface 302 may include a rotating portion 305 that isrotatable with respect to the faceplate 304 for adjusting the amount ofpower delivered to the lighting loads controlled by the control device.The user interface 302 may also include an actuation portion 306 thatmay be pressed in towards the faceplate 304 for turning the lightingloads on and off (e.g., toggling the lighting loads). More generally,the control device 300 may be responsive to a dynamic motion of theactuation portion 306 (e.g., an actuation that causes movement of thesurface of the actuation portion). At least a portion of the surface ofthe actuation portion 306 may be a touch sensitive surface configured toreceived (e.g., detect) point actuations and/or gestures. Moregenerally, the control device 300 may be responsive to a staticoperation of the actuation portion 306 (e.g., an actuation that does notcause movement of the surface of the actuation portion). The userinterface 302 may also include a light bar 308 configured to beilluminated by one or more light sources (e.g., one or more LEDs) tovisibly display information.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and rear exploded perspective views of anotherexample remote control device 310 that may be deployed as the retrofitremote control device 112 in the lighting control system 100 shown inFIG. 1 and/or the control device 300 shown in FIG. 5. The remote controldevice 310 may be configured to be mounted over an actuator of astandard light switch 312 (e.g., a toggle actuator of a single polesingle throw (SPST) maintained mechanical switch). The remote controldevice 310 may be installed over of an existing faceplate 316 that ismounted to the light switch 312 (e.g., via faceplate screws 318). Theremote control device 310 may include a base portion 320 and a controlmodule 330 that may be operably coupled to the base portion 320. Thecontrol module 330 may be supported by the base portion 310 and mayinclude a rotating portion 332 (e.g., an annular rotating portion) thatis rotatable with respect to the base portion 320.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the control module 330 may be detached from thebase portion 320. The base portion 320 may be attached (e.g., fixedlyattached) to a toggle actuator 314 and may be configured to maintain thetoggle actuator 314 in the on position. The toggle actuator 314 may bereceived through a toggle actuator opening 322 in the base portion 320.A screw 324 may be tightened to attach (e.g., fixedly attached) the baseportion 320 to the toggle actuator 314. In this regard, the base portion320 may be configured to prevent a user from inadvertently switching thetoggle actuator 314 to the off position when the remote control device310 is attached to the light switch 312.

The control module 330 may be released from the base portion 320. Forexample, a control module release tab 326 may be provided on the baseportion 320. By actuating the control module release tab 326 (e.g.,pushing up towards the base portion or pulling down away from the baseportion), a user may remove the control module 330 from the base portion320.

The control module 330 may comprise one or more clips 338 that may beretained by respective locking members 328 connected to the controlmodule release tab 326 when the base portion 320 is in a lockedposition. The one or more clips 338 may be released from the respectivelocking members 328 of the base portion 320 when the control modulerelease tab 326 is actuated (e.g., pushed up towards the base portion orpulled down away from the base portion) to put the base portion 320 inan unlocked position. In an example, the locking members 328 may bespring biased into the locked position and may automatically return tothe locked position after the control module release tab 326 is actuatedand released. In an example, the locking members 328 may not be springbiased, in which case the control module release tab 326 may be actuatedto return the base portion 320 to the locked position.

The control module 330 may be installed on the base portion 320 withoutadjusting the base portion 320 to the unlocked position. For example,the one or more clips 338 of the control module 330 may be configured toflex around the respective locking members 328 of the base portion andsnap into place, such that the control module is fixedly attached to thebase portion.

The control module 330 may be released from the base portion 320 toaccess one or more batteries 340 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6B) thatprovides power to at least the remote control device 310. The batteries340 may be held in place in various ways. For example, the batteries 340may be held by a battery retention strap 342, which may also operate asan electrical contact for the batteries. The battery retention strap 342may be loosened by untightening a battery retention screw 344 to allowthe batteries 340 to be removed and replaced. Although FIG. 6B depictsthe batteries 340 as being located in the control module 330, it shouldbe appreciated that the batteries 340 may be placed elsewhere in theremote control device 310 (e.g., in the base portion 320) withoutaffecting the functionality of the remote control device 310.

When the control module 330 is coupled to the base portion 320 as shownin FIG. 5, the rotating portion 332 may be rotatable in opposeddirections about the base portion 320 (e.g., in the clockwise orcounter-clockwise directions). The base portion 320 may be configured tobe mounted over the toggle actuator 314 of the switch 312 such that therotational movement of the rotating portion 332 may not change theoperational state of the toggle actuator 314 (e.g., the toggle actuator314 may remain in the on position to maintain functionality of theremote control device 310).

The control module 330 may comprise an actuation portion 334. Theactuation portion 334 may in turn comprise a part or an entirety of afront surface of the control module 330. For example, the control module330 may have a circular surface within an opening defined by therotating portion 332. The actuation portion 334 may comprise a part ofthe circular surface (e.g., a central area of the circular surface) orapproximately the entire circular surface. In an example, the actuationportion 334 may be configured to move towards the light switch 312 toactuate a mechanical switch (not shown) inside the control module 330 aswill be described in greater detail below. The actuation portion 334 mayreturn to an idle position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5) after beingactuated. In an example, the front surface of the actuation portion 334may be a touch sensitive surface (e.g., a capacitive touch surface). Theactuation portion 334 may comprise a touch sensitive element (e.g., acapacitive touch element such as the touch sensitive circuit 240)adjacent to the rear surface of the actuation portion. The touchsensitive element may be actuated in response to a touch of the touchsensitive surface of the actuation portion 334.

The remote control device 310 may be configured to transmit one or morewireless communication signals (e.g., the RF signals 108 of FIG. 1) toan electrical load (e.g., the lighting loads 102, 104 of the lightingcontrol system 100 of FIG. 1). The remote control device 310 may includea wireless communication circuit (e.g., an RF transceiver or transmitter(not shown)) via which one or more wireless communication signals may besent and/or received. The control module 330 may be configured totransmit digital messages (e.g., including commands to control thecontrollable electrical load) via the wireless communication signals.For example, the control module 330 may be configured to transmit acommand to raise the intensity of a controllable lighting load inresponse to a clockwise rotation of the rotating portion 332 and totransmit a command to lower the intensity of the controllable lightsource in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the rotatingportion 332.

The control module 330 may be configured to transmit a command to togglean electrical load (e.g., from off to on or vice versa) in response toan actuation of the actuation portion 334. In addition, the controlmodule 330 may be configured to transmit a command to turn an electricalload on in response to an actuation of the actuation portion 334 (e.g.,if the control module 330 possesses information indicating that theelectrical load is presently off). The control module 330 may beconfigured to transmit a command to turn an electrical load off inresponse to an actuation of the actuation portion 334 (e.g., if thecontrol module possesses information indicating that the electrical loadis presently on).

The control module 330 may be configured to transmit a command to turnan electrical load on to a maximum power level (e.g., to turn a lightsource on to full intensity) in response to a double tap of theactuation portion 334 (e.g., two actuations in quick succession). Thecontrol module 330 may be configured to adjust the power level of anelectrical load to a minimum level (e.g., to turn the intensity of alighting load to a minimum intensity) in response to rotation of therotating portion 332 and may only turn off the electrical load inresponse to an actuation of the actuation portion 334. The controlmodule 330 may also be configured in a spin-to-off mode, in which thecontrol module 330 may turn off an electrical load after the power levelof the electrical load (e.g., intensity of the lighting load) iscontrolled to a minimum level in response to a rotation of the rotatingportion 332.

The control module 330 may be configured to transmit a command (e.g.,via one or more wireless communication signals such as the RF signal108) to adjust the color of a lighting load. Color control through theremote control device 310 will be described in greater detail below.

The control module 330 may comprise a light bar 336 that may beilluminated by one or light sources (e.g., LEDs), for example, toprovide feedback to a user of the remoted control device 310. The lightbar 336 may be located in different areas of the remote control device310 in different implementations. For example, the light bar 336 may belocated between the rotating portion 332 and the actuation portion 334.The light bar may have different shapes. For example, the light bar 336may form a full circle (e.g., a substantially full circle) as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6A. The light bar 336 may be attached to a periphery of theactuation portion 334 and move with the actuation portion 334 (e.g.,when the actuation portion is actuated). The light bar 336 may have acertain width (e.g., a same width along the entire length of the lightbar). The exact value of the width may vary, for example, depending onthe size of the remote control device 310 and/or the intensity of thelight source(s) that illuminates the light bar 336.

FIG. 6C is a front exploded view and FIG. 6D is a rear exploded view ofthe control module 330 of the remote control device 310. The actuationportion 334 may be received within an opening defined by the rotatingportion 332. The light bar 336 may be attached to the actuation portion334 around a periphery of the actuation portion. The rotating portion332 may comprise an inner surface 416 having tabs 418 surrounding thecircumference of the rotation portion. The tabs 418 may be separated bynotches 420 that are configured to receive engagement members 422 of theactuation portion 334 to thus engage the actuation portion 334 with therotating portion 332. The control module 330 may also comprise a bushing424 that is received within the rotating portion 332, such that an uppersurface 426 of the busing may contact lower surfaces 428 of the tabs 418inside of the rotating portion.

When the actuation portion 334 is received within the opening of therotating portion 332, the light bar 336 may be provided between theactuation portion 334 and the rotating portion 332. When the rotatingportion 334 is rotated, the actuation portion 334 and/or the light bar336 may rotate with the rotating portion. The engagement members 422 ofthe actuation portion 334 may be able to move through the notches 420 ina z-direction (e.g., towards the base portion), such that the actuationportion 334 (along with the light bar 336) may be able to move in thez-direction.

The control module 330 may further comprise a flexible printed circuitboard (PCB) 430 that may be arranged over a carrier 432. The flexiblePCB 430 may comprise a main portion 434 on which most of the controlcircuitry of the control module 330 (e.g., including a control circuit)may be mounted. The control module 330 may comprise a plurality oflight-emitting diodes (LEDs) 436 arranged around the perimeter of theflexible PCB 430 to illuminating the light bar 336. The flexible PCB 430may comprise a switch tab 438 that may be connected to the main portion434 (e.g., via flexible arms 440). The switch tab 438 may have amechanical tactile switch 442 mounted thereto. The switch tab 438 of theflexible PCB 430 may be configured to rest on a switch tab surface 444on the carrier 432. The carrier 432 may comprise engagement members 446configured to be received within notches 448 in the bushing 424. A ring450 may snap to a lower surface 452 of the rotating portion to hold thecontrol module 330 together. The clips 338 may be attached to thecarrier 432 to allow the control module to be connected to the baseportion.

When the actuation portion 334 is pressed, the actuation portion 334 maymove along the z-direction until an inner surface 458 of the actuationmember actuates the mechanical tactile switch 442. The actuation portion334 may be returned to the idle position by the mechanical tactileswitch 442. In addition, the control module 330 may comprise anadditional return spring for returning the actuation portion 334 to theidle position. Actuations of the actuation portion 334 may not cause theactuation portion to move (e.g., the actuation portion 334 maysubstantially maintain its position along the z-direction). For example,the front surface of the actuation portion 334 may be a touch sensitivesurface (e.g., a capacitive touch surface) configured to detect a userinput via a point actuation and/or a gesture.

The batteries 340 may be adapted to be received with in a battery recess462 in the carrier 432 as shown in FIG. 6D. The batteries 340 may beheld in place by the battery retention strap 342, which may also operateas a negative electrical contact for the batteries and tamper resistantfastener for the batteries. The flexible PCB may comprise a contact pad466 that may operate as a positive electrical contact for the batteries340. The battery retention strap 342 may comprise a leg 468 that ends ina foot 470 that may be electrically connected to a flexible pad 472(e.g., as shown in FIG. 6C) on the flexible PCB 430. The batteryretention strap 342 may be held in place by the battery retention screw344 received in an opening 476 in the carrier 432. When the batteryretention screw 344 is loosened and removed from the opening 476, theflexible pad 472 may be configured to move (e.g., bend or twist) toallow the battery retention strap 342 to move out of the way of thebatteries 340 to allow the batteries to be removed and replaced.

The control module 330 may further comprise a magnetic strip 480 locatedon the inner surface 416 of the rotating portion 332 and extendingaround the circumference of the rotating portion. The flexible PCB 430may comprise a rotational sensor pad 482 on which a rotational sensor(e.g., a Hall effect sensor integrated circuit 484) may be mounted. Therotational sensor pad 482 may be arranged perpendicular to the mainportion 434 of the flexible PCB 430 as shown in FIG. 6D. The magneticstrip 480 may comprise a plurality of alternating positive and negativesections, and the Hall effect sensor integrated circuit 484 may comprisetwo sensor circuits operable to detect the passing of the positive andnegative sections of the magnetic strip as the rotating portion 332 isrotated. Accordingly, the control circuit of the control module 330 maybe configured to determine the rotational speed and direction ofrotation of the rotation portion 332 in response to the Hall effectsensor integrated circuit 484. The flexible PCB 430 may also comprise aprogramming tab 486 to allow for programming of the control circuit ofthe control module 330.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the carrier 432 may comprise an actuator opening490 adapted to receive the toggle actuator of the light switch when thecontrol module 330 is mounted to the base portion. The carrier 432 maycomprise a flat portion 492 that may prevent the toggle actuator of thelight switch from extending into the inner structure of the controlmodule 330 (e.g., if the toggle actuator is particularly long). Theflexible PCB 430 may also comprise an antenna 494 on an antenna tab 496that may lay against the flat portion 492 in the actuator opening 490.

The control module 320 may be configured to translate a user input, suchas a point actuation (e.g., a “tap”) or a gesture (e.g., such as a“swipe,” a “smack,” a two-finger “pinch,” a two-finger “open,” etc.),into control data (e.g., a control signal) for controlling one or moreelectrical loads (e.g., the lighting loads 102, 104 of FIG. 1)controlled by the remote control device 300. For example, the controlcircuit of the control module 320 may be configured to receive signalsthat correspond to user inputs applied via the touch sensitive surface,interpret the received signals into various control commands, andgenerate control data (e.g., a control signal) to cause the commands tobe executed. For example, the control circuit may be configured to, inresponse to a point actuation, generate first control data for changinga first characteristic of an electrical load, and in response to agesture, generate second control data for changing a secondcharacteristic of the electrical load.

It should be appreciated that the control circuit of control module 320is not limited to interpreting signals associated with theabove-described example gestures, and that the control circuit may beconfigured to interpret signals associated with more, fewer, ordifferent gestures as desired. Gestures may be user-programmable,reprogrammable, and custom gestures. Further, the touch sensitivesurface (e.g., a touch sensitive device residing behind the touchsensitive surface) of the remote control device 300 may define one ormore linear columns (e.g., one-dimensional columns) that may provide aY-axis output, one or more linear rows that provide respective X-axisoutputs, or any combination thereof. The touch sensitive surface (e.g.,a touch sensitive device residing behind the touch sensitive surface)may include, for example, a two-dimensional touch element having bothX-axis and Y-axis outputs. Such implementations may enable the remotecontrol device 300 to control multiple electrical loads from the controlmodule 320. For example, gestures applied to a first capacitive touchcolumn may cause commands to be issued to a first lighting loadassociated with the first capacitive touch column, gestures applied to asecond capacitive touch column may cause commands to be issued to asecond lighting load associated with the second capacitive touch column,and gestures applied simultaneously to both the first and secondcapacitive touch columns may cause a command to be issued to both thefirst and second lighting loads.

FIGS. 7A-7H depicts an example control device 380 that may be deployedas the dimmer switch 110 and/or the retrofit remote control device 112in the lighting control system 100, the control device 300, and/or thecontrol device 310. The control device 380 may be configured to detectvarious types of user inputs (e.g., point actuations and/or gestures),and translate those user inputs into control data to control anelectrical load controlled by the control device 380. FIGS. 7A and 7Bdepict examples of user inputs that may be recognized by the controldevice 380 and translated into control data for adjusting an amount ofpower delivered to an electrical load. The user inputs may be providedvia a touch sensitive surface 382 (e.g., a capacitive touch surface) ofan actuator portion 384 (e.g., the actuation portion 324), and may havedifferent characteristics (e.g., in term of spatial and/or timingproperties) so that they may be interpreted as commands to applydifferent types of control over the electrical loads. For example, theuser input shown in FIG. 7A is characterized by a rotational movement ofa rotating portion 386 (e.g., the rotating portion 322), and may beinterpreted by the control device 380 (e.g., a control circuit of thecontrol module 380) as a command to set an amount of power delivered tothe electrical loads to an absolute level. The control circuit maydetermine the absolute level based on the degree of rotation, andgenerate control data (e.g., a control signal) accordingly to effectuatethe control (e.g., by causing a wireless communication circuit of thecontrol device 380 to transmitted a control signal including the controldata to the electrical loads). The control circuit may rescale theadjustment amount that corresponds to a user input when the power levelis near a low-end. The example rescaling techniques described inassociation with FIG. 4A may be equally applicable here.

The user input in FIG. 7B, on the other hand, may have differentcharacteristics than those depicted in FIG. 7A, and may be interpretedas a different command for adjusting the amount of power delivered tothe plurality of electrical loads. For example, the user input may becharacterized by pushing in the rotating portion 386 (towards thefaceplate 316 and/or the base portion 320) and rotating it at the sametime. The control circuit may recognize such a user input as a commandfor relative control, and generate control data (e.g., a control signal)to effectuate the control accordingly. For example, the control circuitmay cause the power delivered to the electrical loads to be adjusted(e.g., gradually adjusted) by a relative adjustment amount (e.g.,relative to a starting level), while allowing the electrical loads tomaintain respective absolute power levels that are different from oneanother. For example, the control circuit may cause the power deliveredto the electrical loads to be adjusted by a percentage based on theamount of rotational movement of the rotating portion 386. Theadjustment may be made gradually (e.g., at a predetermined rate) as therotational portion 386 is being rotated. An illustrative example ofrelative control and example techniques for rescaling an adjustmentamount have been provided in association with FIG. 4B (e.g., withreference to two lighting loads), and is equally applicable here.

User inputs for relative control are not limited to the exampledescribed above. For instance, a user may first manipulate the controldevice 380 to put it into a relative control mode, and then turn therotating portion 386 to exercise relative control over the electricalloads. Various mechanisms for switching the control device 380 into arelative control mode may be provided. For example, a user may press andhold the actuation portion 384 to activate the relative control mode. Auser may also activate the relative control mode through a contact basedgesture (e.g., a “swipe” gesture, as described herein). The controldevice 380 may be configured to interpret such a “swipe” gesture as acommand to put the control device into the relative control mode and actaccordingly. As another example, a user may activate the relativecontrol mode through a non-contact based gesture. For instance, a usermay hover a finger or wave a hand over the touch sensitive surface 382of the actuation portion 384 to signal an intent for the control device380 to enter the relative control mode. The control device 380 may beconfigured to recognize the hovering or waving as a command to put thecontrol device into a relative control mode and act accordingly

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be configured toprovide a visual indication in response to detecting the user inputsdepicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B. For example, the control circuit may beconfigured to, upon detecting a user input to set an amount of powerdelivered to one or more electrical loads to an absolute level (e.g., asdescribed with reference to FIG. 7A), indicate the absolute level on thelight bar 388. For example, the control circuit may illuminate the lightbar 388 to an intensity proportional to the absolute level (e.g., ahigher intensity for a higher power level). Alternatively oradditionally, the control circuit may illuminate the light bar 388 alonga length that extends clockwise from a central position at the bottom ofthe light bar 388 to a position along the circumference of the light bar388. The length of such an illumination (e.g., as defined by an amountof the light bar 388 that is illuminated) may correspond to and beindicative of the absolute level of power delivered to the electricalload. The illumination may fade away after a predetermined amount oftime, or be maintained until the next adjustment.

When relative control is being applied, the control circuit of thecontrol device 380 may be configured to illuminate the light bar 388into a specific pattern (e.g., multiple segments of varying intensitiesor colors), as illustrated in FIG. 7B. The control circuit may befurther configured to alter the illumination pattern (e.g., successivelyalter the intensities or colors of the multiple segments) as the userinput for relative control is being applied, so that an animation (e.g.,imitation of a moving scrollbar and/or ridges of a scroll wheel) may bedisplayed on the light bar 388 to indicate that the power delivered tothe electrical load is being gradually adjusted (e.g., by apredetermined amount at a time). The animation may move at a constantrate as the control is being applied or with varying speed dependentupon the user input (e.g., dependent on the amount of relativeadjustment). Alternatively, the control circuit may be configured toilluminate the light bar 388 (e.g., in a manner similar to theindication of an absolute power level described above) to indicate anaverage of the power levels delivered to a plurality of electricalloads.

FIGS. 7C and 7D depict examples of additional user inputs (e.g., such asgestures) that may be recognized by the control device 380 andtranslated into control signals for controlling an electrical load. Theuser inputs may be applied via the touch sensitive surface 382 of theactuation portion 384 with or without physically contacting the touchsensitive surface. As shown in FIG. 7C, for example, the user input mayhave the characteristics of an upward “swipe” gesture, as describedherein. The user input may cause a signal to be transmitted to thecontrol circuit of the control device 380. The signal may indicate tothe control circuit that the user input has the characteristics of anupward “swipe” gesture. The control circuit may interpret the signalbased on the characteristics reflected therein, and generate acorresponding control data (e.g., a control signal) to control anelectrical load controlled by the control device 380.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7D, the user input may be characterized by adownward “swipe” gesture applied to the touch sensitive surface 382 ofthe actuation portion 384, as described herein. A signal may betransmitted to the control circuit of the control device 380 in responseto detecting the gesture. The signal may be reflective of thecharacteristics of the aforementioned downward “swipe” gesture. Thecontrol circuit may interpret the signal based on the characteristicsreflected therein, and generate corresponding control data (e.g., acontrol signal) to control an electrical load controlled by the controldevice 380.

Although FIGS. 7C and 7D depict the “swipe” gestures as vertical upwardand downward swipes, it should be appreciated that a swipe motion can beapplied in other directions and/or manners. For example, a swipe may beapplied in a horizontal direction in either a left-to-right orright-to-left direction, or diagonally from one area of the touchsensitive surface to another. The scope of the disclosure herein withrespect to a “swipe” is not limited to any particular manner in whichthe swipe is applied.

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be configured tointerpret a user input corresponding to a “swipe” gesture as a commandfor an associated electrical load to enter a particular state. Such aparticular state may be predetermined, and may correspond to, forexample, an on/off state of the electrical load, a specific power levelof the electrical load (e.g., a desired intensity level of a lightingload), a particular setting of the electrical load (e.g., a temperaturesetting of an HVAC system), and/or the like. For example, upon receivinga signal indicative of a “swipe” gesture in an upward direction, thecontrol circuit may be configured to generate control data (e.g., acontrol signal) to cause a lighting load to go to a full intensitydimming level (e.g., a high-end intensity). And upon receiving a signalindicative of a “swipe” gesture in a downward direction, the controlcircuit may be configured to generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to cause a lighting load to go to a minimal dimming level (e.g.,a low-end intensity, such as 1% or off).

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be configured tointerpret a user input corresponding to a “swipe” gesture as a commandto change the control device 380 into a specific operational mode. Suchan operational mode may be, for example, an intensity control mode or acolor control mode for a lighting load, a preset selection mode, anabsolute or relative power control mode, and/or the like. For example,the control device 380 may be configured to, by default, operate in anintensity control mode. Upon receiving a signal indicative of a “swipe”gesture in a right-to-left direction, the control circuit may beconfigured to change the control device 380 from the intensity controlmode to a color control mode.

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be configured toprovide a visual indication in response to detecting the user inputsdepicted in FIGS. 7C and 7D. For example, if the control circuit isconfigured to put an associated electrical load into a particular statein response to detecting a “swipe” gesture, the control circuit may befurther configured to illuminate the light bar 388 to indicate theparticular state. For instance, upon controlling a lighting load to goto a full intensity dimming level (e.g., a high-end intensity) or aminimal dimming level (e.g., a low-end intensity, such as 1% or off),the control circuit may illuminate the light bar 388 to indicate therespective dimming levels, as described above.

Relevant features described herein with reference to FIGS. 7C and 7D maybe applicable to other types of user inputs. For example, the touchsensitive surface 382 of the actuation portion 384 may be configured tobe responsive to a “tap” or “poke” applied at a specific location of thetouch sensitive surface. Such a “tap” or “poke” may, for example, becharacterized by a touch-and-release, as described herein. The controlcircuit of the control device 380 may be configured to interpret such a“tap” or “poke” as a command for an associated electrical load to go toa desired power level, such as a command for a lighting load to go to adesired dimming level. The desired power level may be dependent upon alocation of the touch sensitive surface 382 at which the “tap” or “poke”is detected (e.g., such as a position along the light bar 388). Thecontrol circuit may generate control data (e.g., a control signal) tocause the command to be executed.

The touch sensitive surface 382 of the actuation portion 384 may beconfigured to be responsive to a “smack” gesture, as described herein.The control circuit of the control device 380 may be configured tointerpret such a gesture as a command to toggle a state of an associatedelectrical load, for example from on to off or from off to on. In anexample, the control circuit may be configured to, upon toggling anassociated electrical load on in response to a “smack” gesture, put theassociated electrical load into a last-known state (e.g., a state beforethe associated electrical load was turned off). Alternatively oradditionally, the control circuit may be configured to interpret a“smack” gesture as a command for an associated electrical load to entera predetermined state, including, for example, a particular power stateof the electrical load (e.g., a desired intensity level of a lightingload), a particular setting of the electrical load (e.g., a temperaturesetting of an HVAC system), and/or the like.

The control device 380 may be used to control the color of light emittedby a lighting load. To facilitate color control operations, the controldevice 380 may be configured to provide one or more visual indicationson the touch sensitive surface 382 of the actuation portion 384 toassist with the color control operations. Such visual indications may beprovided, for example, on the touch sensitive surface 382 of theactuation portion 384. The visual indications may include a colorgradient and/or one or more backlit virtual buttons that may be used toadjust a color setting of the lighting load.

FIG. 7E depicts an example of a color gradient that may be provided onthe light bar 388 to facilitate a color control operation. A colorgradient, as described above, may refer to any visual representation ofa set of colors arranged in accordance to an order. The number of colorsand the order in which those colors are arranged may vary from oneimplementation to the next, and should not limit the scope of thisdisclosure. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7E, a color gradientis provided on the light bar 388 that extends along a perimeter of theactuation portion 384. It should be appreciated, however, that thepresentation of such a color gradient is not limited to any particularlocation, and does not need to be in a bar shape. Further, it should benoted that the color gradient may be applied to the colors associatedwith the color temperatures of a black body radiator.

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be configured topresent the color gradient in response to a user input. For example, theuser input may be a touch-based gesture applied to the touch sensitivesurface 382 of the actuation portion 384 (e.g., a “swipe” or “smack”gesture). The control circuit may be configured to be responsive to suchgestures and illuminate the light bar 388 to present the color gradientin response. Alternatively or additionally, the user input may be awiggle of the rotating portion 386 (e.g., turning the rotating portion386 in alternating rotational directions in rapid succession), and thecontrol circuit may be configured to detect the wiggle (e.g., via anaccelerometer) and illuminate the light bar 388 to present the colorgradient in response. The user input may be a gesture effectuatedwithout any physical contact with the control device 380. For example,the touch sensitive surface 382 of the actuation portion 384 may beconfigured to detect a finger or hand hovering over the touch sensitivesurface, and a signal may be transmitted to the control circuitindicating such detection (e.g., the detection may more generallyindicate proximity of a user to the control device 380). The controlcircuit may, in response to receiving the signal, illuminate the lightbar 388 to present the color gradient.

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be configured topresent the color gradient in different ways. In an example, the controlcircuit may illuminate the light bar 388 with multiple colors eachcentering in a portion of the light bar 388 and gradually transitioninginto the color of a neighboring portion. The different colors may bearranged in an order reflective of the respective red/green/blue (RGB)values of the colors, for example. Each of the colors displayed on thelight bar 388 (e.g., the location of the corresponding color) maycorrespond to a desired color for one or more lighting loads controlledby the control device 380. The relationship between desired light colorsfor the lighting loads and different positions the color gradient (e.g.,the respective locations of the colors on the light bar 388) may bestored, for example, in a memory of the control device 380.

To select a color for the one or more lighting loads, a user of thecontrol device 380 may actuate an area 389 of the touch sensitivesurface 382 of the actuation portion 384 that is adjacent to desiredcolor displayed on the color gradient of the light bar 388. Theactuation may be, for example, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or“poke”). A signal may be transmitted to the control circuit of thecontrol device 380 in response to the actuation. The signal may beindicative of the actuation (e.g., the location of the actuation). Uponreceiving the signal, the control circuit may determine a colorcorresponding to the location of the actuation, and generate controldata (e.g., a control signal) to set a color of the one or more lightingloads to the determined color. For instance, the control circuit may becapable of identifying which color of the gradient displayed on thelight bar 388 is adjacent to the location of actuation, and set thecolor of the lighting loads to the color corresponding to the locationalong the color gradient. This way, as a user slides a finger along thelight bar 388, the color of the lighting loads may be adjustedaccordingly based on the position of the finger along the length of thelight bar 388.

The control circuit may be configured to assign a color to multiplelighting loads (e.g., in a zone controlled by the control device 380) inresponse to a single “tap” along the color gradient. Alternatively, thecontrol circuit may be configured to assign a color for one lightingload in the zone of control in response to each “tap,” and assign thecolor to additional lighting loads in the zone of control in response toadditional “taps” by a user. Further, the control circuit may beconfigured to, in response to a first “tap” by a user, associate a firstcolor to one or more lighting loads, and, in response to a second “tap”by a user, associate a second color to the one or more lighting loads.The control circuit may be further configured to cause the one or morelighting loads to dynamically switch between the first and secondassociated colors (e.g., at a predetermine rate or in accordance with anexternal condition).

A user may manipulate the touch sensitive surface 382 of the actuationportion 384 to change the color gradient displayed on the light bar 388.For example, the control circuit of the control device 380 may initiallyilluminate the light bar 388 into a first set of colors (e.g., todisplay a first color gradient on the light bar 388). Each of the firstset of colors may represent a section of the visible color spectrum thatcorresponds to a specific wavelength range. A user may manipulate anarea 374 of the touch sensitive surface adjacent to one of the first setof colors by applying, for example, a two-finger “open” gesture (e.g.,fingers moving apart) or a force (e.g., via a finger press), next to oneof the first set of colors. The control circuit of the control device380 may be configured to, in response to the gesture, determine thesection of the color spectrum that corresponds to the location of theactuation, and adjust the illumination of the light bar 388 so that thefirst set of colors is replaced with a second set of colors (e.g., todisplay a second color gradient on the light bar 388). The second set ofcolors may correspond to colors that are within the section of the colorspectrum associated with the location of the actuation (e.g., the secondcolor gradient may represents a smaller range of the first colorgradient). A user may then set a color for one or more lighting loadscontrolled by the control device 388 by actuating the area 389 of thetouch sensitive surface adjacent to one of the second set of colors, asdescribed above.

While the second set of colors (e.g., the second color gradient) isdisplayed on the light bar 388, the control circuit may be configured tochange the display to revert to the first set of colors (e.g., the firstcolor gradient) in response to a user input. For example, the controlcircuit may receive a signal indicating that a two-finger “pinch”gesture (e.g., fingers moving together) or a force (e.g., applied via afinger press) is detected by the touch sensitive surface in an area 389adjacent to the second color gradient. The control circuit may interpretsuch a signal as a command to switch the display on the light bar 388back to the first color gradient, and may illuminate the light bar 388to effectuate the switch accordingly.

FIG. 7F depicts an example of another mechanism for adjusting a color(e.g., color temperature) of one or more lighting loads controlled bythe control device 380. Although described with reference to colortemperature control, it should be appreciated that the mechanism anduser control described with reference to FIG. 7F may also be applied tofull range color control. As shown, areas of the touch sensitive surface382 of the actuation portion 384 may be backlit to display soft orvirtual buttons 390 a, 390 b, and/or indicator lights 392. The virtualbuttons 390 a, 390 b and/or indicator lights 392 may be configured to bebacklit by one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs). The control circuitof the control device 380 may be configured to dim the backlighting(e.g., turn off the backlighting or make it not easily perceivable by auser) when the control device 380 is in a different operational mode orin an idle state so that a first user interface may be presented to auser of the control device 380. The control circuit may then illuminatethe backlighting to reveal the virtual buttons 390 a, 390 b and/or theindicator lights 392 in response to a user input or a particular event(e.g., a predetermined timing event) so that a second user interface maybe presented to the user. Alternatively, the control circuit may beconfigured to maintain the backlighting in an “on” state so that thevirtual buttons are always shown on the control device 380.

The user input that may trigger the display of the virtual buttons 390a, 390 b and/or the indicator lights 392 may be, for example, atouch-based gesture applied to the touch sensitive surface 382 of thecontrol device 380 (e.g., a “swipe” or “smack” gesture). The controlcircuit of the control device 380 may be configured to be responsive tosuch gestures and activate the backlighting to present the virtualbuttons 390 a, 390 b and/or the indicator lights 392 in response.Alternatively or additionally, the user input may be a wiggle of therotating portion 394, and the control circuit may be configured todetect the wiggle and reveal the virtual buttons 390 a, 390 b and/or theindicator lights 392 in response. The user input may be a gestureeffectuated without any physical contact with the control device 380.For example, the touch sensitive surface 382 of the actuation portion384 may be configured to detect a finger or hand hovering over the touchsensitive surface 382, and a signal may be transmitted to the controlcircuit to indicate such detection (e.g., the detection may moregenerally indicate proximity of a user to the control device 380). Thecontrol circuit may, in response to receiving the signal, activate thebacklighting to reveal the virtual buttons 390 a, 390 b and/or theindicator lights 392.

The areas of the touch sensitive surface 382 that correspond to thevirtual buttons 390 a, 390 b may be associated with adjusting (e.g.,increasing and decreasing) the color temperature of one or more lightingloads controlled by the control device 380. For example, a user mayactuate the area of the touch sensitive surface 382 occupied by virtualbutton 390 a via, for example, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or“poke”). In response to the actuation, a signal may be transmitted tothe control circuit indicating that virtual button 390 a has beenactuated. The control circuit may interpret the actuation as a commandto increase the color temperature of the lighting loads, and generatecontrol data (e.g., a control signal) to effectuate the increaseaccordingly. The increase may be, for example, a gradual increase (e.g.,by a predetermined amount at each step) while the actuation (e.g., apress-and-hold) lasts, or a one-time increase (e.g., by a predeterminedamount) in response to the actuation (e.g., a “tap”).

Similarly, the touch sensitive surface 382 may be configured to detectthat the area of the surface occupied by the virtual buttons 390 b hasbeen actuated. The actuation may be, for example, a point actuation(e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). The touch sensitive surface 382 may detectthe actuation, and a signal may be transmitted to the control circuitindicating the detection. The control circuit may be configured tointerpret the actuation as a command to decrease the color temperatureof the lighting loads, and generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to effectuate the decrease accordingly. The decrease may be, forexample, a gradual decrease (e.g., by a predetermined amount at eachstep) while the actuation (e.g., a press-and-hold) lasts, or a one-timedecrease (e.g., by a predetermined amount) in response to the actuation(e.g., a “tap”).

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be configured toilluminate the indicator lights 392 to provide feedback about colortemperature adjustments in response to the virtual buttons 390 a, 390 bbeing actuated. For example, as the user actuates the virtual button 390a, the indicator lights 392 may be turn on one after another from rightto left to signal that the color temperature of the lighting load isbeing increased. As the user actuates the virtual button 390 b, theindicator lights 392 may be turned off one after another from left toright to signal that the color temperature of the lighting load is beingdecreased.

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be further configuredto illuminate the light bar 388 to indicate a current color temperatureof the one or more lighting loads controlled by the control device 380.For example, the control circuit may cause the light bar 388 to beilluminated to different intensities and/or lengths in proportion to acurrent color temperature of the one or more lighting loads (e.g., thelight bar 388 may be illuminated to a higher intensity and/or a greaterlength in response to a higher color temperature).

The control device 380 may be used to activate a preset, zone, oroperational mode associated with one or more electrical loads. Asdescribed above, a preset may correspond to one or more predeterminedsettings of the one or more electrical loads. For example, a preset maycorrespond to a preconfigured lighting scene (e.g., predeterminedintensity/color settings of one or more lighting loads), a preconfiguredcombination of entertainment settings (e.g., music selection, volume ofspeakers, etc.), a preconfigured combination of environmental settings(e.g., temperature, humidity, shades, etc.), and/or the like. A zone maycorrespond to one or more electrical loads that are configured to becontrolled by the control device 380. A zone may be associated with onespecific location (e.g., a living room) or multiple locations (e.g., anentire house with multiple rooms and hallways). An operational mode ofthe control device 380 may be associated with controlling differenttypes of electrical loads or different operational aspects of one ormore electrical loads. Examples of operational modes may include alighting control mode for controlling one or more lighting loads (e.g.,controlling intensity and/or color of the lighting loads), anentertainment system control mode (e.g., controlling music selectionand/or the volume of an audio system), an HVAC system control mode, awinter treatment device control mode (e.g., for controlling one or moreshades), and/or the like. Such presets, zones, or operational modes maybe configured via the control device 380 and/or via an external device(e.g., a mobile device) by way of a wireless communication circuit ofthe control device 380. Once configured, the presets, zones, oroperational modes may be stored by the control device 380 in memory.

FIG. 7G depicts an example of a user interface that may be provided onthe touch sensitive surface 382 of the control device 380 to facilitatepreset, zone, and operational mode selections. As shown, areas of thetouch sensitive surface 382 may be illuminated (e.g., backlit) todisplay soft or virtual buttons 394 a, 394 b, 394 c. The illuminatedareas may have different shapes, such as, for example, circles, squares,rectangles, etc. The areas may be thinned out compared to the rest ofthe touch sensitive surface to allow backlighting to emit through thethinned-out areas. The areas may be associated with respective indicia(e.g., texts or graphics) that indicate the purposes of the virtualbuttons 394 a-394 c. Backlighting may be provided, for example, by oneor more light sources such as LEDs. The control circuit of the controldevice 380 may be configured to dim the backlighting (e.g., turn off thebacklighting or make it not easily perceivable by a user) when thecontrol device 380 is in a different operational mode or in an idlestate so that a first user interface may be presented to a user of thecontrol device 380. The control circuit may then illuminate thebacklighting to reveal the virtual buttons 394 a-394 c in response to auser input or a particular event (e.g., a predetermined timing event) sothat a second user interface may be presented to the user.Alternatively, the control circuit may be configured to maintain thebacklighting in an “on” state so that the virtual buttons are alwaysshown on the control device 380.

The user input that may trigger the display of the virtual buttons 394a-394 c may be, for example, a gesture applied to the touch sensitivesurface of the control device 380 (e.g., a “swipe” or “smack” gesture).Such a gesture may be detected by the touch sensitive surface, and asignal may be transmitted to the control circuit to indicate thedetection. The control circuit may, in response to receiving the signal,activate the backlighting to reveal the virtual buttons 394 a-394 c.Alternatively or additionally, the user input may be a wiggle of therotating portion 386 of the control device 380, and the control circuitmay be configured to detect the wiggle and activate the backlighting todisplay the virtual buttons 394 a-394 c. The user input may be a gestureeffectuated without any physical contact with the control device 380.For example, the touch sensitive surface 382 of the actuation portion384 may be configured to detect a finger or hand hovering over the touchsensitive surface. A signal may then be transmitted to the controlcircuit to indicate the detection (e.g., the detection may moregenerally indicate proximity of a user to the control device 380). Thecontrol circuit may, in response to receiving the signal, activate thebacklighting to reveal the virtual buttons 394 a-394 c.

The areas of the touch sensitive surface 382 that correspond to thevirtual buttons 394 a-394 c may be designated for activating respectivepresets, zones, or operational modes associated with one or moreelectrical loads controlled by the control device 380. The associationbetween the virtual buttons 394 a-394 c (e.g., locations of the virtualbuttons 394 a-394 c) and the presets, zones, or operational modes may bestored, for example, in a memory of the control device 380. Toillustrate, a user of the control device 380 may actuate the area of thetouch sensitive surface occupied by virtual button 394 a through, forexample, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). The controlcircuit may receive an indication of the actuation (e.g., from the touchsensitive surface), interpret the actuation as a command to activate afirst preset (e.g., a preconfigured lighting scene), a first zone (e.g.,a hallway zone), or a first operational mode (e.g., a lighting controlmode), and generate control data (e.g., a control signal) to effectuatethe activation.

Similarly, the touch sensitive surface of the actuation portion may beconfigured to detect that the area of the touch sensitive surfaceoccupied by virtual button 394 b (or 394 c) has been actuated through,for example, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). The controlcircuit may receive an indication of the actuation, and interpret theactuation as a command to activate a second preset (e.g., anentertainment scene), a second zone (e.g., a living room zone), or asecond operational mode (e.g., a HVAC control mode) if the actuatedbutton is 394 b, or to activate a third preset (e.g., a second lightingscene), a third zone (e.g., an entire house), or a third operationalmode (e.g., an entertainment system control mode) if the actuated buttonis 394 c. The control circuit may then generate control data (e.g., acontrol signal) to effectuate the activation.

The control circuit of the control device 380 may be further configuredto provide an indication about which preset, zone, or operational modehas been activated. For example, the control circuit may illuminate thelight bar 388 in different manners (e.g., with varying intensity and/orcolor) corresponding to different presets, zones, or operational modesbeing activated. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit mayuniquely illuminate the virtual button associated with an activatedpreset, zone, or operational mode (e.g., to cause the virtual button toflash) to inform the user of the activated preset, zone, or operationalmode.

A user may use a gesture to cycle through a plurality of presets, zones,or operational modes on the touch sensitive surface of the controldevice 380. For example, there may be more presets, zones, oroperational modes configured in a load control system than what can bedisplayed on the touch sensitive surface 382 of the control device 380.In those scenarios, a user may apply a gesture (e.g., a “swipe”) via thetouch sensitive surface 382, and the control circuit may be configuredto, in response to the gesture, replace a first set of presets, zones,or operational modes that may be activated via the virtual buttons 394a-394 c with a second set. This way, the user may be able to cyclethrough all available presets, zones, or operational modes to choose onethat meets the user's needs. The control circuit may be furtherconfigured to change the indicia associated with the virtual buttons 394a-394 c to indicate currently associated presets, zones, or operationalmodes.

FIG. 7H depicts another example of a user interface that may be providedon the light bar 388 of the control device 380 to facilitate preset,zone, and operational mode selections. As shown, the control circuit ofthe control device 380 may illuminate the light bar 388 display discretepoints 396 of illumination. For example, the discrete points 396 maycorrespond to different segments of the light bar 388 illuminated todifferent intensities and/or colors, or segments of the light bar 388that may be illuminated to a same intensity and/or color but separatedby segments of different intensities and/or colors. Each of the discretepoints 396 (e.g., the location of each discrete point) may correspond toa preset, zone, or operational mode associated with one or moreelectrical loads controlled by the control device 380. The illuminationof the discrete points 396 may be based on their respective associatedpresets, zones, or operational modes. For example, when a presetcorresponds to a lighting scene, the corresponding discrete point on thelight bar 388 may be illuminated to display the dominant color of thelighting scene. Alternatively, the illumination of the correspondingdiscrete point on the light bar 388 may be periodically altered (e.g.,at a predetermined rate) to display each light color of the lightingscene (e.g., to cycle through the colors of the lighting loads in thelighting scene). The relationship between the presets, zones, oroperational modes and the discrete points of the light bar 388 (e.g.,the respective locations of the illuminated segments) may be stored, forexample, in a memory of the control device 380. The control circuit ofthe control device 380 may be configured to keep the light bar 388illuminated in the aforementioned manner. Alternatively, the controlcircuit may be configured to dim the light bar 388 (e.g., turn off theillumination or make it not easily perceivable by a user) when thecontrol device 380 is in a different operational mode or in an idlestate, and illuminate the light bar 388 to reveal the discrete points396 in response to a user input or a particular event (e.g., apredetermined timing event).

The user input that may trigger the illumination of the light bar 388for preset, zone, or operational mode selection may be, for example, agesture applied to the touch sensitive surface of the control device 380(e.g., a “swipe” or “smack” gesture). Such a gesture may be detected bythe touch sensitive surface, and a signal may be transmitted to thecontrol circuit to indicate the detection. The control circuit may, inresponse to receiving the signal, illuminate the light bar 388 todisplay the discrete points 396 that are representative of a pluralityof presets, zones, or operational modes. Alternatively or additionally,the user input may be a wiggle of the rotating portion 396 of thecontrol device 380, and the control circuit may be configured to detectthe wiggle and illuminate the light bar 388 to display the discretepoints 396 of illumination. The user input may be a gesture effectuatedwithout any physical contact with the control device 380. For example,the touch sensitive surface of the control device 380 may be configuredto detect a finger or hand hovering over the touch sensitive surface. Asignal may then be transmitted to the control circuit to indicate thedetection (e.g., the detection may more generally indicate proximity ofa user to the control device 380). The control circuit may, in responseto receiving the signal, illuminate the light bar 388 for sceneselection.

To activate a specific preset, zone, or operational mode, a user mayactuate an area of the touch sensitive surface 382 of the actuationportion 384 that is adjacent to one of the discrete points 396 ofillumination on the light bar 388. The actuation may be, for example, apoint actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). In response to the actuation,a signal may be transmitted to the control circuit to indicate theactuation (e.g., indicate a location of the actuation). Upon receivingthe signal, the control circuit may determine a preset, zone, oroperational mode that corresponds to the location of the actuation, andgenerate control data (e.g., a control signal) to activate the preset,zone, or operational mode accordingly (e.g., based on the storedrelationship described above).

After a user has activated a preset, zone, or operational mode, thecontrol circuit may provide an indication the user about the activatedpreset, zone, or operational mode. For example, the control circuit mayuniquely illuminate the discrete point 396 of illumination on the lightbar 388 that corresponds to the activated preset, zone, or operationalmode. The unique illumination may be realized by, for example, flashingthe relevant discrete point or illuminating the discrete point with ahigher intensity so that it is highlighted relative to the otherdiscrete point.

Preset, zone, or operational mode selection may be performed differentlythan described above. For example, selection may be made withoututilizing the touch sensitive surface 382 of the actuation portion 384of the control device 380. Rather, after illuminating the light bar 388into the discrete points 396 representative of respective presets,zones, or operational modes, the control circuit of the control device380 may be configured to detect a rotational movement of the rotatingportion 386 and, in response, cause one of the discrete points 396 to beuniquely illuminated (e.g., with a higher intensity, flashing, etc.) toindicate that a preset, zone, or operational mode corresponding to thediscrete point 396 is selected and ready to be activated. The rotationalmovement that may trigger the aforementioned action may be a wiggle, arotation by a predetermined amount (e.g., such as a 45 degree rotation),a rotation with a specific speed or acceleration, etc. The rotatingportion 386 may be configured to return to an idle position (e.g., anupright position) after being released by the user.

Activation of a selected preset, zone, or operational mode may beimplemented in various ways. For example, after a preset, zone, oroperational mode has been selected (e.g., indicated by highlight of acorresponding discrete point 396 on the light bar 388), the controlcircuit of the control device 380 may automatically activate the preset,zone, or operational mode if no additional user input is received withina predetermined amount of time (e.g., based on expiration of a timer).In such an example case, one of the presets, zones, or operational modesrepresented on the light bar 388 may be configured as a shortcut to exitthe selection operation and return the control device 380 to a previousstate. As another example, the control circuit of the control device 380may be configured to not automatically activate the preset, zone, oroperational mode, but rather wait for an explicit user input beforetaking such action. The explicit user input may be provided, forexample, by pushing the actuation portion 384 in toward the base portionor actuating an area of the touch sensitive surface 382 of the controldevice 380.

After a preset, zone, or operational mode is selected, a user may changethe selection via another similar rotational movement of the rotatingportion. More generally, the control circuit may be configured to, inresponse to each such rotational movement of the rotating portion,uniquely highlight the next segment on the light bar 388 and select thecorresponding preset, zone, or operational mode for activation.

In addition to or in lieu of the user interfaces described withreference to FIGS. 7G and 7H, the control circuit of the control device380 may be configured to associate particular user gestures withpresets, zones, or operational modes, and generate control data (e.g., acontrol signal) to activate a preset, zone, or operational mode inresponse to detecting an associated gesture. The gestures may be appliedvia the touch sensitive surface 382 of the control device 380. Thegestures may be applied by direct contact with the touch sensitivesurface 382 (e.g., a “swipe,” a “smack,” etc.), via proximity of anatomyto the touch sensitive surface (e.g., by hovering a finger over thesurface), or otherwise. The association of user gestures with presets,zones, or operational modes may be user-programmable and reprogrammable.The association may be stored, for example, in a memory of the controldevice 380. The touch sensitive surface 382 may be configured to detecta gesture, and cause a signal to be transmitted to the control circuitindicating the detection. The control circuit may, in response, identifya preset, zone, or operational mode associated with the gesture, andgenerate control data (e.g., a control signal) to activate the preset,zone, or operational mode.

Although described as separate mechanisms and user inputs in FIG. 7A-H,it should be appreciated that the control device 380 may incorporate anynumber and/or combinations of the mechanisms and user inputs describedwith reference to FIG. 7A-H.

FIG. 8 depicts an example control device 500 that may be deployed as thedimmer switch 110 and/or the retrofit remote control device 112 in thelighting control system 100. The control device 500 may comprise a userinterface 502 and a faceplate 504. The user interface 502 of the controldevice 500 may include an actuation portion 510 that is configured to bemounted to a base portion 512. The actuation portion 510 may comprise afront surface 514 having an upper portion 516 and a lower portion 518.The actuation portion 510 may be configured to pivot about a centralaxis in response to an actuation of the upper portion 516 and the lowerportion 518. The control device 500 may be configured to control alighting load of the lighting control system 100 to turn the load on inresponse to an actuation of the upper portion 516 and to turn the loadoff in response to an actuation of the lower portion 518. Moregenerally, the control device 500 may be responsive to a dynamic motionof the actuation portion 510 (e.g., an actuation that causes movement ofthe surface of the actuation portion). The front surface 514 of theactuation portion 510 may also be configured as a touch sensitivesurface (e.g., a capacitive touch surface) that is configured to receive(e.g., detect) inputs, such as gestures, from a user of the controldevice 500. The user interface 502 may also include a light bar 520configured to be illuminated by one or more light sources (e.g., one ormore LEDs) to visibly display information. The front surface 514 of theactuation portion 510 may be actuated along the light bar 520 to adjustthe amount of power delivered to the lighting load according to theposition of the actuation. More generally, the control device 500 may beresponsive to a static operation of the actuation portion 510 (e.g., anactuation that does not cause movement of the surface of the actuationportion).

FIGS. 9A-10H depict another example remote control device 600 that maybe deployed as the retrofit remote control device 112 in the lightingcontrol system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and/or the control device 500 shownin FIG. 8. The remote control device 600 may be configured to be mountedover a paddle actuator of a standard light switch. The light switch mayinclude a faceplate 606. The faceplate 606 may define an opening (e.g.,a decorator-type opening) that extends therethrough. The faceplate 606may be mounted via faceplate screws 609, for instance to a yoke of theswitch. The standard light switch may be coupled in series electricalconnection between an alternating current (AC) power source and one ormore electrical loads.

As shown, the remote control device 600 may include a base portion 612and an actuation portion 610 that is configured to be mounted to thebase portion 612. The actuation portion 610 may include an actuator 611.The actuator 611 may comprise a front surface 614 that defines a userinterface of the actuation portion 610. As shown, the actuator 611 maybe configured such that the front surface 614 includes an upper portion616 and a lower portion 618. The actuation portion 610 may include alight bar 620 that is configured to visibly display information at thefront surface 614.

The actuation portion 610 may be configured for mechanical actuation ofthe actuator 611. For example, the actuator 611 may be supported about apivot axis P1 that extends laterally between the upper and lowerportions 616, 618. The actuation portion 610 may include mechanicalswitches 660 (as shown in FIG. 10F) disposed in respective interiorportions of the actuator 611 that correspond to the upper and lowerportions 616, 618 of the front surface 614. Actuations of the upperportion 616 of the front surface 614, for example via the application ofa force to the upper portion 616 (e.g., resulting from a finger press)may cause the actuator 611 to rotate about the pivot axis P1 such thatthe upper portion 616 moves inward towards the base portion 612 andactuates a corresponding mechanical switch 660. Actuations of the lowerportion 618 of the front surface 614, for example via the application ofa force to the lower portion 618 (e.g., resulting from a finger press)may cause the actuator 611 to rotate about the pivot axis P1 such thatthe lower portion 618 moves inward towards the base portion 612 andactuates a corresponding mechanical switch 660. The actuation portion610 may be configured such that feedback may be provided in response toactuations of actuator 611 (e.g., through movement of the actuationportion). The actuator 611 may be configured to resiliently reset to arest position after actuations of the upper and lower portions 616, 618.

It should be noted that actuations of the upper portion 616 and lowerportion 618 may not necessarily cause the actuator 611 to move (e.g.,pivot about the pivot axis P1). The actuations may be detected via othermechanisms such as, for example, via a force sensor and/or a hapticfeedback mechanism (e.g., a touch sensitive mechanism as describedherein).

FIGS. 10A-10F depict the example remote control device 600, with theremote control device 600 unmounted from the light switch. As shown, theremote control device 600 may include a carrier 630 that may beconfigured to be attached to a rear surface of the actuation portion610. The carrier 630 may support a flexible printed circuit board (PCB)632 on which a control circuit (not shown) may be mounted. The remotecontrol device 600 may include a battery 634 for powering the controlcircuit. The battery 634 may be received within a battery opening 636defined by the carrier 630. The remote control device 600 may include aplurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that may be mounted to theprinted circuit board 632. The LEDs may be arranged to illuminate thelight bar 620.

With reference to FIGS. 10G and 10H, the actuator 611 may be pivotallycoupled to, or supported by, the base portion 612. For example, as shownthe base portion 612 may define cylindrical protrusions 640 that extendoutward from opposed sidewalls 642 of the base portion 612. Theprotrusions 640 may be received within openings 644 that extend intorear surfaces 648 of corresponding sidewalls 646 of the actuator 611.The protrusions 640 may define the pivot axis P1 about which theactuator 611 may pivot. As shown, each protrusion 640 may be held inplace within a corresponding opening 644 by a respective hinge plate 650(e.g., thin metal hinge plates). Each hinge plate 650 may be connectedto the rear surface 648 of a respective sidewall 646, for example viaheat stakes 652. It should be appreciated that for the sake ofsimplicity and clarity, the heat stakes 652 are illustrated in FIGS. 10Gand 10H in an undeformed or unmelted state. The hinge plates 650 may bethin to maximize a distance between the hinge plate 650 and the bezelportion 605 of the light switch 602.

The remote control device 600 may transmit a control signal (e.g., acommand) to one or more controlled electrical loads (e.g., one or morelighting loads that are controlled by the remote control device 600) inresponse to actuations applied to the actuation portion 610, forinstance via the actuator 611. The remote control device 600 maytransmit control signals (e.g., commands) to turn on one or moreassociated lighting loads in response to actuations applied to the upperportion 616 of the front surface 614, and may transmit control signals(e.g., commands) to turn off one or more lighting loads in response toactuations applied to the lower portion 618 of the front surface 614.

In accordance with an example implementation, the remote control device600 may be configured to transmit control signals (e.g., commands) inresponse to receiving predetermined actuations at the actuation portion(e.g., via the actuator 611). For example, the remote control device 600may be configured to transmit a control signal (e.g., a command) to turnone or more associated lighting loads on to full (e.g., 100% intensity)in response to a double tap applied to the upper portion 616 of thefront surface 614 (e.g., two actuations applied to the upper portion 616in quick succession). The remote control device 600 may be configured totransmit a control signal (e.g., a command) to perform a relativeadjustment of intensity (e.g., relative to a starting intensity) inresponse to respective press and hold actuations applied to the upperand/or lower portions 616, 618 of the front surface 614. For example,the remote control device 600 may cause the respective intensities ofone or more associated lighting loads to continually be adjusted (e.g.,relative to corresponding starting intensities) while one of the upperor lower portions 616, 618 is continuously actuated.

The front surface 614 of the actuator 611 may further be configured as atouch sensitive surface (e.g., may include or define a capacitive touchsurface). The capacitive touch surface may extend into portions of boththe upper and lower surfaces 616, 618 of the front surface 614. This mayallow the actuation portion 610 (e.g., the actuator 611) to receive andrecognize actuations (e.g., point actuations and gestures) of the frontsurface 614. With such actuations, the actuator 611 may substantiallymaintains its position relative to the base portion (e.g., suchactuations do not cause the actuator 611 to move relative to the baseportion, or to move such that the respective mechanical switches 660that correspond to the upper and lower portions 616, 618 are notactuated).

In accordance with the illustrated actuator 611, the upper portion 616and the lower portion 618 of the front surface 614 define respectiveplanar surfaces that are angularly offset relative to each other. Inthis regard, the touch sensitive portion of the front surface 614 of theactuator 611 may define and operate as a non-planar slider control ofthe remote control device 600. However, it should be appreciated thatthe actuator 611 is not limited to the illustrated geometry defining theupper and lower portions 616, 618. For example, the actuator may bealternatively configured to define a front surface having any suitabletouch sensitive geometry, for instance such as a curved or wave-shapedtouch sensitive surface.

It should be appreciated that the control circuit of the remote controldevice 600 may be configured to interpret one or more point actuationsand/or gestures applied via the touch sensitive surface as commands tocontrol an electrical load controlled by the remote control device 600.The gestures may be user-programmable, reprogrammable, and customgestures. Further, the touch sensitive surface (e.g., a touch sensitivedevice residing behind the touch sensitive surface) may define one ormore linear columns that may provide a Y-axis output, one or more linearrows that provide respective X-axis outputs, or any combination linearcolumns and rows. The touch sensitive surface (e.g., a touch sensitivedevice residing behind the touch sensitive surface) may also include,for example, a two-dimensional touch element having both X-axis andY-axis outputs. Such implementations may enable the remote controldevice 600 to control multiple electrical loads. For example, gesturesapplied to a first capacitive touch column may cause commands to beissued to a first lighting load associated with the first capacitivetouch column, gestures applied to a second capacitive touch column maycause commands to be issued to a second lighting load associated withthe second capacitive touch column, and gestures applied simultaneouslyto both the first and second capacitive touch columns may cause acommand to be issued to both the first and second lighting loads.

Further, the remote control device 600 may be configured to, if morethan one actuation is received via the actuator 611 within a shortinterval of time (e.g., at substantially the same time), determine whichactuation should be responded to, for example by transmitting a command,and which actuation or actuations may be ignored. To illustrate, a userof the remote control device 600 may press the touch sensitive surfaceat a location proximate to the light bar 620, with sufficient force suchthat the actuator 611 pivots about the pivot axis and activates acorresponding one of the mechanical switches 660. Such an operation ofthe actuator 611 may comprise multiple actuations of the actuationportion 610. For instance, the location of the press of the frontsurface 614 along the light bar 620 may correspond to an indication of adesired intensity level of an associated lighting load, while theactuation of the mechanical switch 660 may be correspond to anindication by the user to turn on the lighting load to a last-knownintensity. The remote control device 600 may be configured to inresponse to such actuations, ignore the capacitive touch inputindication of intensity, and to transmit a command to the associatedlighting load to turn on at the last-known intensity. It should beappreciated that the above is merely one illustration of how the remotecontrol device 600 may be configured to respond to multiple suchmulti-part actuations of the actuation portion 610.

FIGS. 11A-11H depicts an example control device 580 that may be deployedas the dimmer switch 110 and/or the retrofit remote control device 112in the lighting control system 100, the control device 500, and/or theremote control device 600. FIGS. 11A and 11B depict examples of userinputs that may be recognized by the control device 580 and translatedinto respective control signals for adjusting an amount of powerdelivered to one or more electrical loads. The user inputs may beprovided via a touch sensitive surface 582 of the control device 580,and may have different characteristics (e.g., in term of spatial and/ortiming properties) so that they may be interpreted as commands to applydifferent types of control over the electrical loads. For example, inFIG. 11A, the user input may be characterized by a point actuation(e.g., a “tap”) applied to an area of the touch sensitive surface 582adjacent to a light bar 584. The user input may be detected by the touchsensitive surface 582, and cause a signal to be transmitted to a controlcircuit of the control device 580 to indicate the detection. The signalmay be reflective of the characteristics of the aforementioned “tap.”The control circuit may interpret the signal based on thecharacteristics reflected therein, and generate corresponding controldata (e.g., a control signal) to control an electrical load controlledby the control device 580. For example, the control circuit may, inresponse to the user input depicted in FIG. 11A, generate control data(e.g., a control signal) to set an amount of power delivered to aplurality of electrical loads to an absolute level that is dependentupon the location of the user input. This way, as a user slides a fingeralong the light bar 584, the amount of power delivered to the electricalloads may be raised or lowered according to the position of the fingeralong the length of the light bar 584. The control circuit may rescalethe adjustment amount that corresponds to a user input when the powerlevel is near a low-end. The example rescaling techniques described inassociation with FIG. 4A is equally applicable here.

In FIG. 11B, the user input may be characterized by a non-transitoryactuation (e.g., a press and hold) of the touch sensitive surface 582that actuates either an upper portion 586 or a lower portion 588 of thetouch sensitive surface. The control circuit may be configured torecognize such a user input as a “relative” input and generatecorresponding control data (e.g., a control signal) to adjust (e.g.,gradually adjust) an amount of power delivered to a plurality ofelectrical loads by a relative adjustment amount (e.g., relative to astarting level), while allowing the lighting loads to maintainrespective absolute power levels that are different from one another.For example, the control circuit may cause the power delivered to theelectrical loads to be continually adjusted (e.g., at a predeterminedrate) for the duration of the user input. For example, the user maypress and hold the upper portion 586 of the touch sensitive surface 582to cause an increase of the amount of power delivered to the pluralityof electrical loads by the relative adjustment amount (as shown in FIG.11B), and press and hold the power portion 588 of the touch sensitivesurface 582 to cause a decrease of the amount of power delivered to theplurality of electrical loads by the relative adjustment amount.

A user of the control device 580 may also apply a press-and-hold at alocation of the touch sensitive surface 582 (e.g., at approximately acenter of the touch sensitive surface), and at the same time apply acontemporaneous touch to a location of the touch sensitive surface 582adjacent to the light bar 584. The touch sensitive surface 582 maydetect these simultaneous user inputs, and signal the detection to thecontrol circuit of the control device 580. The control circuit may beconfigured to, in response to the signaling, generate control data(e.g., a control signal) to adjust the respective amount of powerdelivered to the plurality of electrical loads by a relative amount. Therelative amount of adjustment may be determined based on the location ofthe contemporaneous touch along the light bar 584.

In addition, the user input may be characterized by contacts by multiplefingers (e.g., two fingers) in an area of the touch sensitive surface614 of the control device 580 adjacent to the light bar 584. In anexample, such contacts may be a multi-finger slide applied by a useralong the light bar 584. The control circuit may be configured torecognize such a user input as a command for relative control, andgenerate corresponding control data (e.g., a control signal) to adjust(e.g., gradually adjust) an amount of power delivered to a plurality ofelectrical loads by a relative adjustment amount (e.g., relative to astarting level), while allowing the lighting loads to maintainrespective absolute power levels that are different from one another.For example, the control circuit may cause the power delivered to theelectrical loads to be adjusted by a percentage based on how far thefingers slide up or down the touch sensitive surface 614. The adjustmentmay be made gradually (e.g., at a predetermined rate) as the fingers aremoved across the touch sensitive surface 614. An illustrative example ofrelative control and example techniques for rescaling an adjustmentamount have been provided in association with FIG. 4B (e.g., withreference to two lighting loads), and is equally applicable here.

The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured toprovide a visual indication in response to detecting the user inputsdepicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B. For example, the control circuit may beconfigured to, upon receiving a signal that is indicative of a usercommand to set an amount of power delivered to an electrical load to anabsolute level (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 11A), indicate the level onthe light bar 584. For example, the control circuit may illuminate thelight bar 584 to an intensity proportional to the absolute level (e.g.,a higher intensity for a higher power level). Additionally oralternatively, the control circuit may illuminate the light bar 584along a length that extends from the bottom of the light bar to aposition along the length of the light bar. The length of such anillumination (e.g., as defined by an amount of the light bar 584 that isilluminated) may correspond to and be indicative of the absolute levelof power delivered to the electrical load. The illumination may fadeaway after a predetermined amount of time, or be maintained until thenext adjustment.

When relative control is being applied, the control circuit may beconfigured to illuminate the light bar 584 into multiple segments ofvarying intensities or colors, as illustrated in FIG. 11B. The controlcircuit may be further configured to successively alter the intensitiesor colors of the multiple segments as the user input for relativecontrol is being applied, so that a moving scrollbar and/or ridges of ascroll wheel may be imitated on the light bar 584 to indicate that thepower delivered to the electrical load is being gradually adjusted(e.g., by a predetermined amount at a time). Alternatively, the controlcircuit may be configured to illuminate the light bar 584 (e.g., in amanner similar to the indication of an absolute power level describedabove) to indicate an average of the power levels delivered to aplurality of electrical loads.

FIGS. 11C and 11D depict examples of additional user inputs (e.g., suchas gestures) that may be recognized by the control device 580 andtranslated into control signals for controlling an electrical load. Theuser inputs may be applied via the touch sensitive surface 582 of thecontrol device 580 with or without physically contacting the touchsensitive surface. As shown, the user input may be an upward “swipe”gesture, as described herein. The user input may cause a signal to betransmitted to the control circuit of the control device 580. The signalmay indicate to the control circuit that the user input has thecharacteristics of an upward “swipe” gesture. The control circuit mayinterpret the signal based on the characteristics reflected therein, andgenerate corresponding control data (e.g., a control signal) to controlan electrical load controlled by the control device 580.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11D, the user input may be a downward“swipe” gesture, as described herein. Such a user input may cause asignal to be transmitted to the control circuit of the control device580, and the signal may be reflective of the characteristics of adownward “swipe” gesture. The control circuit may interpret the signalbased on the characteristics reflected therein, and generatecorresponding control data (e.g., a control signal) to control anelectrical load controlled by the control device 580.

Although FIGS. 11C and 11D depict the “swipe” gestures as upward anddownward swipes, it should be appreciated that a swipe motion can beapplied in other directions and/or manners. For example, a swipe may beapplied in a horizontal direction in a left-to-right or right-to-leftdirection, or diagonally from one area of the touch sensitive surface toanother. The scope of the disclosure herein with respect to a “swipe” isnot limited to any particular manner in which the swipe is applied.

The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured tointerpret a user input corresponding to a “swipe” gesture as a commandfor an associated electrical load to enter a particular state. Such aparticular state may be predetermined, and may correspond to, forexample, an on/off state of the electrical load, a specific power levelof the electrical load (e.g., a desired intensity level of a lightingload), a particular setting of the electrical load (e.g., a temperaturesetting of an HVAC system), and/or the like. For example, upon receivinga signal indicative of a “swipe” gesture in an upward direction, thecontrol circuit may be configured to generate control data (e.g., acontrol signal) to cause a lighting load to go to a full intensitydimming level (e.g., a high-end intensity). And upon receiving a signalindicative of a “swipe” gesture in a downward direction, the controlcircuit may be configured to generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to cause a lighting load to go to a minimal dimming level (e.g.,a low-end intensity, such as 1% or off).

The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured tointerpret a user input corresponding to a “swipe” gesture as a commandto switch the control device 580 into a specific operational mode. Suchan operational mode may be, for example, an intensity control mode or acolor control mode for a lighting load, a preset selection mode, anabsolute or relative power control mode, and/or the like. For example,the control device 580 may be configured to, by default, operate in anintensity control mode. Upon receiving a signal indicative of a “swipe”gesture in a right-to-left direction, the control circuit may beconfigured to switch the control device 580 from the intensity controlmode to a color control mode.

The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured toprovide a visual indication in response to detecting the user inputsdepicted in FIGS. 11C and 11D. For example, if the control circuit isconfigured to put an associated electrical load into a particular statein response to detecting a “swipe” gesture, the control circuit may befurther configured to illuminate the light bar 584 to indicate theparticular state. For instance, upon controlling a lighting load to goto a full intensity dimming level (e.g., a high-end intensity) or aminimal dimming level (e.g., a low-end intensity, such as 1% or off),the control circuit may illuminate the light bar 584 to indicate therespective dimming levels, as described above.

Relevant features described herein with reference to FIGS. 11C and 11Dmay be applicable to other types of user inputs. For example, the touchsensitive surface 582 of the control device 580 may be configured to beresponsive to a “tap” or “poke” applied at a specific location of thetouch sensitive surface. Such a “tap” or “poke” may, for example, becharacterized by a touch-and-release, as described herein. The controlcircuit of the control device 580 may be configured to interpret such auser input as a command for an associated electrical load to go to adesired power level, such as a command for a lighting load to go to adesired dimming level. The desired power level may be dependent upon alocation of the touch sensitive surface 582 at which the “tap” or “poke”is detected (e.g., such as a position along the light bar 584). Thecontrol circuit may generate control data (e.g., a control signal) tocause the command to be executed.

The touch sensitive surface 582 of the control device 580 may beconfigured to be responsive to a “smack” gesture, as described herein.The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured tointerpret such a gesture as a command to toggle a state of an associatedelectrical load, for example from on to off or from off to on. In anexample, the control circuit may be configured to, upon toggling anassociated electrical load on in response to a “smack” gesture, put theassociated electrical load into a last-known state (e.g., a state beforethe associated electrical load was turned off). Alternatively oradditionally, the control circuit may be configured to interpret a“smack” gesture as a command for an associated electrical load to entera predetermined state, including, for example, a particular power stateof the electrical load (e.g., a desired intensity level of a lightingload), a particular setting of the electrical load (e.g., a temperaturesetting of an HVAC system), and/or the like.

The control device 580 may be used to control the color of light emittedby a lighting load. To facilitate color control operations, the controlcircuit of the control device 580 may be configured to provide one ormore visual indications on a front surface of the control device 580 toassist with the color control operations. Such visual indications may beprovided, for example, on the touch sensitive surface 582. The visualindications may include a color gradient and/or one or more backlitvirtual buttons that may be used to adjust a color setting of thelighting load.

FIG. 11E depicts an example of a color gradient that may be provided onthe control device 580 to facilitate a color control operation. A colorgradient, as described above, may refer to any visual representation ofa set of colors arranged in accordance to an order. The number of colorsand the order in which those colors are arranged may vary from oneimplementation to the next, and should not limit the scope of thisdisclosure. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 11E, a color gradientis provided on the light bar 584. It should be appreciated, however,that the presentation of such a color gradient is not limited to anyparticular location, and does not need to be in a bar shape. Further, itshould be noted that the color gradient may be applied to the colorsassociated with the color temperatures of a black body radiator.

The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured topresent the color gradient in response to a user input. The user inputmay be, for example, a gesture applied to the touch sensitive surface582 of the control device 580 (e.g., a “swipe” or “smack” gesture). Thecontrol circuit may be configured to be responsive to such a gesture andilluminate the light bar 584 to present the color gradient in response.Alternatively or additionally, the user input may be a gestureeffectuated without any physical contact with the control device 580.For example, the touch sensitive surface 582 of the control device 580may be configured to detect a finger or hand hovering over the touchsensitive surface 582, and transmit a signal to the control circuitindicating such detection (e.g., the detection may more generallyindicate proximity of a user to the control device 580). The controlcircuit may, in response to receiving the signal, illuminate the lightbar 584 to present the color gradient.

The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured topresent the color gradient in different ways. In an example, the controlcircuit may illuminate the light bar 584 with multiple colors eachcentering in a portion of the light bar 584 and gradually transitioninginto the color of a neighboring portion. The different colors may bearranged in an order reflective of the respective red/green/blue (RGB)values of the colors, for example. Each of the colors displayed on thelight bar 584 (e.g., the location of the corresponding colors) maycorrespond to a desired color for one or more lighting loads controlledby the control device 580. The relationship between desired light colorsfor the lighting loads and positions along the color gradient (e.g., therespective locations of the colors on the light bar 584) may be stored,for example, in a memory of the control device 580.

To select a color for the one or more lighting loads, a user of thecontrol device 580 may actuate an area of the touch sensitive surface582 adjacent to one of the multiple colors displayed on the light bar584. The actuation may be, for example, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap”or “poke”). The touch sensitive surface 582 may be configured to detectthe actuation, and cause a signal to be transmitted to the controlcircuit to indicate the actuation (e.g., indicate the location of theactuation). Upon receiving the signal, the control circuit may determinea color corresponding to the location of the actuation, and generatecontrol data (e.g., a control signal) to set a color of the one or morelighting loads to the determined color. For instance, the controlcircuit may be capable of identifying which one of the colors of thegradient displayed on the light bar 584 is adjacent to the location ofactuation, and set the color of the lighting loads to the colorcorresponding to the location along the color gradient. This way, as auser slides a finger along the light bar 584, the color of the lightingloads may be adjusted accordingly based on the position of the fingeralong the length of the light bar 584.

A user of the control device 580 may manipulate the touch sensitivesurface 614 to change the color gradient displayed on the light bar 584.For example, the control circuit of the control device 580 may initiallyilluminate the light bar 584 into a first set of colors (e.g., todisplay a first color gradient on the light bar 584). Each of the firstset of colors may represent a section of the visible color spectrum thatcorresponds to a specific wavelength range. A user of the control device580 may actuate an area of the touch sensitive surface 582 adjacent toone of the first set of colors. The actuation may be, for example, atwo-finger “open” gesture (e.g., fingers moving apart) or a force (e.g.,via a finger press) applied next to one of the first set of colors. Thetouch sensitive surface 582 may be configured to detect the actuation,and cause a signal to be transmitted to the control circuit to indicatethe actuation. The control circuit may determine, based on the signal, asection of the color spectrum that corresponds to the location of theactuation, and adjust the illumination of the light bar so that thefirst set of colors is replaced with a second set of colors (e.g., todisplay a second color gradient on the light bar 584). The second set ofcolors may correspond to colors that are within the section of the colorspectrum associated with the location of the actuation (e.g., the secondcolor gradient may represent a smaller range of the first colorgradient). A user may then set a color for one or more lighting loadscontrolled by the control device 580 by actuating an area of the touchsensitive surface 582 next to one of the second set of colors, asdescribed above.

While the second set of colors (e.g., the second color gradient) isdisplayed on the light bar 584, the control circuit may be configuredto, in response to a user input, change the display to revert to thefirst set of colors (e.g., the first color gradient). For example, thecontrol circuit may receive a signal indicating that of a two-finger“pinch” gesture (e.g., fingers moving together) or a force (e.g.,applied via a finger press) is detected by the touch sensitive surface582 in an area adjacent to the second color gradient. The controlcircuit may interpret such a signal as a command to switch the displayon the light bar 584 back to the first color gradient, and mayeffectuate the switch accordingly.

FIG. 11F depicts an example of another mechanism for adjusting a color(e.g., color temperature) of one or more lighting loads controlled bythe control device 580. Although described with reference to colortemperature control, it should be appreciated that the mechanism anduser control described with reference to FIG. 11F may also be applied tofull range color control. As shown, areas of the touch sensitive surface582 of the control device 580 may be backlit to display soft or virtualbuttons 590 a, 590 b, and/or indicator lights 592. The virtual buttons590 a, 590 b and/or indicator lights 592 may be configured to be backlitby one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs). The control circuit of thecontrol device 580 may be configured to dim the backlighting (e.g., turnoff the backlighting or make it not easily perceivable by a user) whenthe control device 580 is in a different operational mode or in an idlestate so that a first user interface may be presented to a user of thecontrol device 580. The control circuit may then illuminate thebacklighting to reveal the virtual buttons 590 a, 590 b and/or theindicator lights 592 in response to a user input or a particular event(e.g., a predetermined timing event) so that a second user interface maybe presented to the user. Alternatively, the control circuit may beconfigured to maintain the backlighting in an “on” state so that thevirtual buttons are always shown on the control device 580.

The user input that may trigger the display of the virtual buttons 590a, 590 b and/or the indicator lights 592 may be, for example, atouch-based gesture applied to the touch sensitive surface of thecontrol device 580 (e.g., a “swipe” or “smack” gesture). Alternativelyor additionally, the user input may be a gesture effectuated without anyphysical contact with the control device 580. For example, the touchsensitive surface 582 of the control device 580 may be configured todetect a finger or hand hovering over the touch sensitive surface, andcause a signal to be transmitted to the control circuit to indicate thedetection (e.g., the detection may more generally indicate proximity ofa user to the control device 580). The control circuit may, in responseto receiving the signal, activate the backlighting to reveal the virtualbuttons 590 a, 590 b and/or the indicator lights 592.

The areas of the touch sensitive surface 582 that correspond to thevirtual buttons 590 a, 590 b may be associated with adjusting (e.g.,increasing and decreasing) the color temperature of one or more lightingloads controlled by the control device 580. For example, a user of thecontrol device 580 may actuate the area of the touch sensitive surface582 occupied by virtual button 590 a. The actuation may be, for example,a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). The actuation may cause asignal to be transmitted to the control circuit indicating that virtualbutton 590 a has been actuated. The control circuit may interpret theactuation as a command to increase the color temperature of the lightingloads, and generate control data (e.g., a control signal) to effectuatethe increase accordingly. The increase may be, for example, a gradualincrease (e.g., by a predetermined amount at each step) while theactuation (e.g., a press-and-hold) lasts, or a one-time increase (e.g.,by a predetermined amount) in response to the actuation (e.g., a “tap”).

Similarly, the touch sensitive surface 582 may be configured to detectthat the area of the touch sensitive surface 582 occupied by the virtualbuttons 590 a has been actuated. The actuation may be, for example, apoint actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). The touch sensitive surface582 may detect the actuation, and cause a signal may be transmitted tothe control circuit indicating that the actuation has occurred. Thecontrol circuit may be configured to interpret the actuation as acommand to decrease the color temperature of the lighting loads, andgenerate a control data (e.g., a control signal) to effectuate thedecrease accordingly. The decrease may be, for example, a gradualdecrease (e.g., by a predetermined amount at each step) while theactuation (e.g., a press-and-hold) lasts, or a one-time decrease (e.g.,by a predetermined amount) in response to the actuation (e.g., a “tap”).

The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured toilluminate the indicator lights 592 to provide feedback about colortemperature adjustments in response to the virtual buttons 590 a, 590 bbeing actuated. For example, as the user actuates the virtual button 590a, the indicator lights 592 may be turn on one after another from bottomup to signal that the color temperature of the lighting load is beingincreased. As the user actuates the virtual button 590 b, the indicatorlights 592 may be turned off one after another from top to bottom tosignal that the color temperature of the lighting load is beingdecreased.

The control circuit of the control device 580 may be further configuredto illuminate the light bar 584 to indicate a current color temperatureof the one or more lighting loads controlled by the remote controldevice 580. For example, the control circuit may illuminate the lightbar 584 to different intensities and/or lengths in proportion to acurrent color temperature of the one or more lighting loads. Forinstance, the light bar 584 may be illuminated to a higher intensityand/or a greater length in response to a higher color temperature.

The control device 580 may be used to activate a preset, zone, oroperational mode associated with one or more electrical loads. A presetmay correspond to one or more predetermined settings of the one or moreelectrical loads. For example, a preset may correspond to apreconfigured lighting scene (e.g., predetermined intensity/colorsettings of one or more lighting loads), a preconfigured combination ofentertainment settings (e.g., music selection, volume of speakers,etc.), a preconfigured combination of environmental settings (e.g.,temperature, humidity, shades, etc.), and/or the like. Such presets maybe configured via the control device 580 and/or via an external device(e.g., a mobile device) by way of a wireless communication circuit ofthe control device 580. A zone may correspond to one or more electricalloads that are configured to be controlled by the control device 580. Azone may be associated with one specific location (e.g., a living room)or multiple locations (e.g., an entire house with multiple rooms andhallways). An operational mode of the control device 580 may beassociated with controlling different types of electrical loads ordifferent operational aspects of one or more electrical loads. Examplesof operational modes may include a lighting control mode for controllingone or more lighting loads (e.g., controlling intensity and/or color ofthe lighting loads), an entertainment system control mode (e.g.,controlling music selection and/or the volume of an audio system), anHVAC system control mode, a winter treatment device control mode (e.g.,for controlling one or more shades), and/or the like. Once configured,the presets may be stored by the control device 580 in memory.

FIG. 11G depicts an example of a user interface that may be provided onthe touch sensitive surface 582 of the control device 580 to facilitatepreset, zone, and operational mode selection. As shown, areas of touchsensitive surface 582 may be illuminated (e.g., backlit) to display softor virtual buttons 594 a, 594 b, 594 c, 594 d. The illuminated areas mayhave different shapes, such as, for example, circles, squares,rectangles, etc. The areas may be thinned out compared to the rest ofthe touch sensitive surface 582 to allow backlighting to emit throughthe thinned-out areas. The areas may be associated with respectiveindicia (e.g., texts or graphics) that indicate the purposes of thevirtual buttons 594 a-594 d. Backlighting may be provided, for example,by one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs). The control circuit of thecontrol device 580 may be configured to dim the backlighting (e.g., turnoff the backlighting or make it not easily perceivable by a user) whenthe control device 580 is in a different operational mode or in an idlestate so that a first user interface may be presented to a user of thecontrol device 580. The control circuit may then illuminate thebacklighting to reveal the virtual buttons 594 a-594 d in response to auser input or a particular event (e.g., a predetermined timing event) sothat a second user interface may be presented to the user.Alternatively, the control circuit may be configured to maintain thebacklighting in an “on” state so that the virtual buttons are alwaysshown on the control device 580.

The user input that may trigger the display of the virtual buttons 594a-594 d may be, for example, a gesture applied to the touch sensitivesurface 582 of the control device 580 (e.g., a “swipe” or “smack”gesture). Such a gesture may be detected by the touch sensitive surface614, which may transmit a signal to the control circuit to indicate thedetection. The control circuit may, in response to receiving the signal,activate the backlighting to reveal the virtual buttons 594 a-594 d.Alternatively or additionally, the user input may be a gestureeffectuated without any physical contact with the control device 580.For example, the touch sensitive surface 582 of the control device 580may be configured to detect a finger or hand hovering over the touchsensitive surface 582, and cause a signal to be transmitted to thecontrol circuit to indicate such detection (e.g., the detection may moregenerally indicate proximity of a user to the control device 580). Thecontrol circuit may, in response to receiving the signal, activate thebacklighting to reveal the virtual buttons 594 a-594 d.

The areas of the touch sensitive surface 582 that correspond to thevirtual buttons 594 a-594 d may be designated for activating respectivepresets, zones, or operational modes associated with one or moreelectrical loads controlled by the control device 580. The associationbetween the virtual buttons 594 a-594 d (e.g., locations of the virtualbuttons 594 a-594 d) and the presets, zones, or operational modes may bestored, for example, in a memory of the control device 580. Toillustrate, a user of the control device 580 may actuate the area of thetouch sensitive surface 582 occupied by virtual button 594 a. Theactuation may be, for example, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or“poke”). In response to the actuation, a signal may be transmitted tothe control circuit of control device 580 indicating that virtual button594 a has been actuated. The control circuit may interpret the actuationas a command to activate a first preset (e.g., a lighting scene), afirst zone (e.g., a hallway zone), or a first operational mode (e.g., alighting control mode), and generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to effectuate the activation accordingly.

Similarly, the touch sensitive surface 582 may be configured to detectthat the area of the touch sensitive surface 582 occupied by virtualbutton 594 b (or 594 c or 594 d) has been actuated by, for example, apoint actuation (e.g., a “tap” or “poke”). In responsive, a signal maybe transmitted to the control circuit to indicate the actuation. Thecontrol circuit may interpret the actuation as a command to activateanother preset (e.g., an entertainment scene), zone (e.g., an entirehouse), or operational mode (e.g., an HVAC control mode), and maygenerate control data (e.g., a control signal) to effectuate theactivation accordingly.

The control circuit may be further configured to provide an indicationabout which preset, zone, or operational mode has been activated. Forexample, the control circuit may illuminate the light bar 584 indifferent manners (e.g., with varying intensity and/or color)corresponding to different presets, zones, or operational modes beingactivated. Alternatively or additionally, the control circuit mayuniquely illuminate the virtual button associated with an activatedpreset, zone, or operational mode (e.g., to cause the virtual button toflash) to inform the user of the activated preset, zone, or operationalmode.

A user may use a gesture to cycle through a plurality of presets, zones,or operational modes on the touch sensitive surface 582 of the controldevice 580. For example, there may be more presets, zones, oroperational modes configured in a load control system than what can bedisplayed on the touch sensitive surface 582. In those scenarios, a usermay apply a gesture (e.g., a “swipe”) via the touch sensitive surface582, and the control circuit may be configured to, in response to thegesture, replace a first set of presets, zones, or operational modesthat may be activated via the virtual buttons 594 a-594 d with a secondset. This way, the user may be able to cycle through all availablepresets, zones, or operational modes to choose one that meets the user'sneeds. The control circuit may be further configured to change theindicia associated with the virtual buttons 594 a-594 d to indicatecurrently associated presets, zones, or operational modes.

FIG. 11H depicts another example of a user interface that may beprovided on the touch sensitive surface 582 of the control device 580 tofacilitate preset, zone, and operational mode selections. As shown, thecontrol circuit of the control device 580 may illuminate the light bar584 to display discrete points 596 of illumination. For example, thediscrete points 596 may correspond to different segments of the lightbar 584 illuminated to different intensities and/or colors, or segmentsof the light bar 584 that may be illuminated to a same intensity and/orcolor but separated by segments of different intensities and/or colors.Each of the discrete points 596 (e.g., the location of each discretepoint) may correspond to a preset, zone, or operational mode associatedwith one or more electrical loads controlled by the control device 580.The illumination of the discrete points 596 may be based on theirrespective associated presets, zones, or operational modes. For example,when a preset corresponds to a lighting scene, the correspondingdiscrete point on the light bar 584 may be illuminated to display thedominant color of the lighting scene. Alternatively, the illumination ofthe corresponding discrete point on the light bar 584 may beperiodically altered (e.g., at a predetermined rate) to display eachlight color of the lighting scene (e.g., to cycle through the colors ofthe lighting loads in the lighting scene). The relationship between thepresets, zones, or operational modes and the discrete points 596 of thelight bar 584 (e.g., the respective locations of the illuminatedsegments) may be stored, for example, in a memory of the control device580. The control circuit of the control device 580 may be configured tokeep the light bar 584 illuminated in the aforementioned manner.Alternatively, the control circuit may be configured to dim the lightbar 584 (e.g., turn off the illumination or make it not easilyperceivable by a user) when the control device 580 is in a differentoperational mode or in an idle state, and illuminate the light 584 620to reveal the multiple discrete points in response to a user input or aparticular event (e.g., a predetermined timing event).

The user input that may trigger the display of the discrete points 596of illumination on the light bar 584 may be, for example, a gestureapplied to the touch sensitive surface 582 of the control device 580(e.g., a “swipe” or “smack” gesture). Alternatively or additionally, theuser input may be a gesture effectuated without any physical contactwith the control device 580. For example, the touch sensitive surface582 of the control device 580 may be configured to be responsive to afinger or hand hovering over the touch sensitive surface 582, andtransmit a signal to the control circuit to indicate the detection(e.g., the detection may more generally indicate proximity of a user tothe control device 580). The control circuit may, in response toreceiving the signal, illuminate the light bar 584 to display themultiple discrete points 596 for preset selection.

To activate a specific preset, zone, or operational mode, a user of thecontrol device 580 may manipulate an area of the touch sensitive surface614 adjacent to one of the discrete points 596 of illumination on thelight bar 584 to cause an actuation of the touch sensitive surface 582.The actuation may be, for example, a point actuation (e.g., a “tap” or“poke”). The touch sensitive surface 582 may be configured to detect theactuation, and transmit a signal to the control circuit indicating theactuation. Upon receiving the signal, the control circuit may determinea location of the actuation, and generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to activate the preset, zone, or operational mode associatedwith the determined location (e.g., based on the stored relationshipdescribed above).

The control circuit may be further configured to provide an indicationof which preset, zone, or operational mode has been activated. Forexample, once a user has activated a preset, zone, or operational mode,the control circuit may uniquely illuminate the segment of the light bar584 corresponding to the activated preset, zone, or operational mode.The unique illumination may be realized, for example, by flashing therelevant segment or illuminating the segment with a higher intensity sothat it is highlighted relative to the other segments.

In addition to or in lieu of the user interfaces described withreference to FIGS. 11G and 11H, the control circuit of the controldevice 580 may be configured to associate particular user gestures withpresets, zones, or operational modes, and generate control data (e.g., acontrol signal) to activate a preset, zone, or operational mode inresponse to detecting an associated gesture. The gestures may be appliedvia the touch sensitive surface 582 of the control device 580. Thegestures may be applied by direct contact with the touch sensitivesurface 582 of the control device 580 (e.g., a “swipe,” a “smack,”etc.), via proximity of anatomy to the touch sensitive surface 582(e.g., by hovering a finger over the touch sensitive surface 582), orotherwise. The association of user gestures with presets, zones, oroperational modes may be user-programmable and reprogrammable. Theassociation may be stored, for example, in a memory of the controldevice 580. The touch sensitive surface 582 may be configured to detecta gesture, and transmit a signal to a control circuit of the controldevice 580 to indicate the detection of the gesture. The control circuitmay, in response, identify a preset, zone, or operational modeassociated with the gesture, and generate control data (e.g., a controlsignal) to activate the preset, zone, or operational mode.

Although described as separate mechanisms and user inputs in FIG.11A-11H, it should be appreciated that the control device 580 mayincorporate any number and/or combinations of the mechanisms and userinputs described with reference to FIG. 11A-H.

FIG. 12 is a simplified equivalent schematic diagram of an examplecontrol device 700 (e.g., a remote control device), which may bedeployed as the remote control devices 112-118 in the lighting controlsystem 100, the control devices 200, 280, 300, 380, 500, 580, and/or theremote control devices 220, 310, 600. The control device 700 may includea control circuit 730, a rotational sensing circuit 732, one or moreactuators 734 (e.g., buttons and/or switches), a touch sensitive device736, a wireless communication circuit 738, a memory 740, a battery 742,and/or one or more LEDs 744. The memory 740 may be configured to storeone or more operating parameters (e.g., such as a preconfigured colorscene or a preset light intensity) of the control device 700. Thebattery 742 may provide power to one or more of the components shown inFIG. 12.

The rotational sensing circuit 732 may be configured to translate aforce applied to a rotating mechanism (e.g., such as the rotationalportion 305 of the control device 300) into an input signal and providethe input signal to the control circuit 730. The rotational sensingcircuit 732 may include, for example, a Hall-effect sensor, a mechanicalencoder, and/or an optical encoder. The rotational sensing circuit 732may also operate as an antenna of the control device 700. The one ormore actuators 734 may include a button or switch (e.g., a mechanicalbutton or switch, or an imitation thereof) such as those described inassociation with the actuators 306, 510 of the control devices 300, 500.The actuators 734 may be configured to send respective input signals tothe control circuit 730 in response to actuations of the actuators 734(e.g., in response to movements of the actuators 734). The touchsensitive device 736 may include a capacitive or resistive touchelement. Examples of such a touch sensitive device may include the touchsensitive circuit 240 of remote control device 220, the touch sensitivesurface of the remote control device 310, and the touch sensitivesurface of the control device 500. The touch sensitive device 736 may beconfigured to detect point actuations and/or gestures (e.g., thegestures may be effectuated with or without physical contacts with thetouch sensitive device 736), and provide respective input signals to thecontrol circuit 730 indicating the detection.

It should be noted that, although depicted as including all of therotational sensing circuit 732, the actuators 734, and the touchsensitive device 736, the control device 700 may include any combinationof the foregoing components (e.g., one or more of those components).

The control circuit 730 may be configured to translate the input signalsprovided by the rotational sensing circuit 732, the actuators 734,and/or the touch sensitive device 736 into control data (e.g., digitalcontrol signals) for controlling one or more electrical loads. Thecontrol circuit 730 may cause the control data (e.g., digital controlsignals) to be transmitted to the electrical loads via the wirelesscommunication circuit 738. For example, the wireless communicationcircuit 738 may transmit a control signal including the control data tothe one or more electrical loads or to a central controller of theconcerned load control system. The control circuit 730 may illuminatedthe LEDs 744 to present a light bar (e.g., such as the light bars 208,308, 520) and/or one or more indicator lights (e.g., such as theindicator lights 292, 392, 592) to provide feedback about variousconditions.

FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 800(e.g., a dimmer switch) that may be deployed as, for example, the dimmerswitch 80 of the lighting control system 100 and/or the control devices200, 280, 300, 380, 500, 580. The control device 800 may include a hotterminal H that may be adapted to be coupled to an AC power source 802.The control device 800 may include a dimmed hot terminal DH that may beadapted to be coupled to an electrical load, such as a lighting load804. The control device 800 may include a controllably conductive device810 coupled in series electrical connection between the AC power source802 and the lighting load 804. The controllably conductive device 810may control the power delivered to the lighting load. The controllablyconductive device 810 may include a suitable type of bidirectionalsemiconductor switch, such as, for example, a triac, a field-effecttransistor (FET) in a rectifier bridge, two FETs in anti-seriesconnection, or one or more insulated-gate bipolar junction transistors(IGBTs). An air-gap switch 829 may be coupled in series with thecontrollably conductive device 810. The air-gap switch 829 may be openedand closed in response to actuations of an air-gap actuator (not shown).When the air-gap switch 829 is closed, the controllably conductivedevice 810 is operable to conduct current to the load. When the air-gapswitch 829 is open, the lighting load 804 is disconnected from the ACpower source 802.

The control device 800 may include a control circuit 814. The controlcircuit 814 may include one or more of a processor (e.g., amicroprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), afield programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), or any suitable controller or processing device. Thecontrol circuit 814 may be operatively coupled to a control input of thecontrollably conductive device 810, for example, via a gate drivecircuit 812. The control circuit 814 may be used for rendering thecontrollably conductive device 810 conductive or non-conductive, forexample, to control the amount of power delivered to the lighting load804.

The control circuit 814 may receive a control signal representative ofthe zero-crossing points of the AC main line voltage of the AC powersource 802 from a zero-crossing detector 816. The control circuit 814may be operable to render the controllably conductive device 810conductive and/or non-conductive at predetermined times relative to thezero-crossing points of the AC waveform using a phase-control dimmingtechnique. Examples of dimmers are described in greater detail incommonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,242,150, issued Jul. 10, 2007,entitled Dimmer Having a Power Supply Monitoring Circuit; U.S. Pat. No.7,546,473, issued Jun. 9, 2009, entitled Dimmer having amicroprocessor-controlled power supply; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,664,881,issued Mar. 4, 2014, entitled Two-wire dimmer switch for low-powerloads, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

The control device 800 may include a memory 818. The memory 818 may becommunicatively coupled to the control circuit 814 for the storageand/or retrieval of, for example, operational settings, such as,lighting presets and associated preset light intensities. The memory 818may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as aninternal circuit of the control circuit 814. The control device 800 mayinclude a power supply 820. The power supply 820 may generate adirect-current (DC) supply voltage V_(CC) for powering the controlcircuit 814 and the other low-voltage circuitry of the control device800. The power supply 820 may be coupled in parallel with thecontrollably conductive device 810. The power supply 820 may be operableto conduct a charging current through the lighting load 804 to generatethe DC supply voltage V_(CC).

The control circuit 814 may be responsive to inputs received fromactuators 830, a rotational position sensing circuit 840, and/or a touchsensitive device 850. The control circuit 814 may control thecontrollably conductive device 810 to adjust the intensity of thelighting load 804 in response to the input received via the actuators830, the rotational position sensing circuit 840, and/or the touchsensitive device 850.

The rotary position sensing circuit 840 may be configured to translate aforce applied to a rotating mechanism (e.g., such as the rotationalportion 305 of the control device 300) into an input signal and providethe input signal to the control circuit 814. The rotational positionsensing circuit 840 may include, for example, a Hall-effect sensor, amechanical encoder, and/or an optical encoder. The rotational positionsensing circuit 840 may also operate as an antenna of the control device800. The actuators 830 may include a button or switch (e.g., amechanical button or switch, or an imitation thereof) such as thosedescribed in association with the actuators 306, 510 of the controldevices 300, 500. The actuators 830 may be configured to send respectiveinput signals to the control circuit 814 in response to actuations ofthe actuators 830 (e.g., in response to movements of the actuators 830).The touch sensitive device 850 may include a capacitive or resistivetouch element. Examples of such a touch sensitive device may include thetouch sensitive circuit 240 of remote control device 220, the touchsensitive surface of the remote control device 310, and the touchsensitive surface of the control device 500. The touch sensitive device850 may be configured to detect point actuations and/or gestures (e.g.,the gestures may be effectuated with or without physical contacts withthe touch sensitive device 850), and provide respective input signals tothe control circuit 814 indicating the detection. The control circuit814 may be configured to translate the input signals received from theactuators 830, the rotational position sensing circuit 840, and/or thetouch sensitive device 850 into control data (e.g., one or more controlsignals), and cause the control data to be transmitted to the lightingload 804 or a central controller of the load control system.

It should be noted that, although depicted as including all of therotational sensing circuit 840, the actuators 830, and the touchsensitive device 850, the control device 800 may include any combinationof the foregoing components (e.g., one or more of those components).

The control device 800 may comprise a wireless communication circuit822. The wireless communication circuit 822 may include for example, aradio-frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to an antenna for transmittingand/or receiving RF signals. The wireless communication circuit 822 mayalso include an RF transmitter for transmitting RF signals, an RFreceiver for receiving RF signals, or an infrared (IR) transmitterand/or receiver for transmitting and/or receiving IR signals. Thewireless communication circuit 822 may be configured to transmit acontrol signal that includes the control data (e.g., a digital message)generated by the control circuit 814 to the lighting load 804. Asdescribed herein, the control data may be generated in response to auser input (e.g., a point actuation or a gesture) to adjust one or moreoperational aspects of the lighting load 804. The control data mayinclude a command and/or identification information (e.g., such as aunique identifier) associated with the control device 800. In additionto or in lieu of transmitting the control signal to the lighting load804, the wireless communication circuit 822 may be controlled totransmit the control signal to a central controller of the lightingcontrol system.

The control circuit 814 may be configured to illuminate visualindicators 860 (e.g., LEDs) to provide feedback of a status of thelighting load 804, to indicate a status of the control device 800,and/or to assist with a control operation (e.g., to provide a colorgradient for controlling the color of the lighting load 804, to presentbacklit virtual buttons for preset, zone, or operational mode selection,etc.). The visual indicators 860 may be configured to illuminate a lightbar and/or to serve as indicators of various conditions.

1. A control device configured for use in a load control system tocontrol a plurality of electrical loads external to the control device,the control device comprising: a user input device configured to detecta user input; a plurality of light sources configured to backlight atleast a portion of the user input device to display multiple discretepoints of illumination each representing a preset associated with theone or more electrical loads; and a control circuit configured to:illuminate one or more of the plurality of light sources to display themultiple discrete points of illumination; determine that a discretepoint of the multiple discrete points of illumination has been selected;control the plurality of light sources to illuminated the selecteddiscrete point in a manner distinguishable from the rest of the multiplediscrete points of illumination; and generate control data to controlthe plurality of electrical loads based on the preset associated withthe selected discrete point.
 2. The control device of claim 1, whereinthe preset corresponds to at least one predetermined setting of the oneor more electrical loads.
 3. The control device of claim 2, wherein thepreset corresponds to a combination of multiple predetermined settingsassociated with the one or more electrical loads.
 4. The control deviceof claim 3, wherein the one or more electrical loads include at least alighting load, and the multiple predetermined settings include anintensity setting and a color setting of the lighting load.
 5. Thecontrol device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources formsa light bar.
 6. The control device of claim 5, wherein the light bar issubstantially circular and extends along a perimeter of the user inputdevice.
 7. The control device of claim 6, wherein the user input devicecomprises a rotary knob.
 8. The control device of claim 7, wherein theuser input device is configured to detect the selection of the presetassociated with the one of the multiple segments based on a rotationalmovement of the rotary knob.
 9. The control device of claim 8, whereinthe control circuit is configured to: determine that a first rotationalmovement of the user input device has been detected; adjust theplurality of light sources to uniquely illuminate a first discrete pointof the multiple discrete points of illumination to indicate that thepreset represented by the first discrete point is ready to be activated;determine that a second rotational movement of the user input device hasbeen detected, the second rotational movement being consecutive to thefirst rotational movement; and adjust the plurality of light sources touniquely illuminate a second discrete point of the multiple discretepoints of illumination instead of the first discrete point to indicatethat the preset represented by the second discrete point is ready to beactivated, the second discrete point being adjacent to the firstdiscrete point.
 10. The control device of claim 9, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to generate a control signal to activate thepreset associated with the one of the multiple discrete points ofillumination upon determining that no user input is received for apredetermined amount of time after the preset was selected.
 11. Thecontrol device of claim 10, wherein at least one preset associated withthe multiple discrete points of illumination is configured to maintain acurrent state of the one or more electrical loads.
 12. The controldevice of claim 9, wherein the control circuit is configured to generatea control signal to activate the preset associated with the selecteddiscrete point upon determining that a user input has been received viathe user input device indicating a desire to activate the preset. 13.The control device of claim 12, wherein the user input device comprisesa touch sensitive surface, and the user input is effectuated via a touchapplied to the touch sensitive surface.
 14. The control device of claim12, wherein the user input device comprises an actuation portion and abase portion, the actuation portion configured to move along an axissubstantially perpendicular to the base portion, the user inputeffectuated by pushing the actuation portion toward the base portionalong the axis.
 15. The control device of claim 1, wherein the light baris substantially linear and extends on a front surface of the user inputdevice in either a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.
 16. Thecontrol device of claim 15, wherein the user input device comprises atouch sensitive area adjacent to the one of the multiple discrete pointsof illumination, the selection of the preset associated with the one ofthe multiple discrete points of illumination is performed via a touchapplied to the touch sensitive area, and the control circuit isconfigured to activate the preset associated with the one of themultiple discrete points of illumination in response to the touch. 17.The control device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configuredto display the multiple discrete points of illumination on the userinput device in response to the user input.
 18. The control device ofclaim 17, wherein the user input comprises a point actuation or agesture applied via the user input device.
 19. The control device ofclaim 18, wherein the user input comprises a press-and-hold, a hover, asmack, or a swipe.
 20. A control device configured for use in a loadcontrol system to control a lighting load external to the controldevice, the control device comprising: a base portion configured to bemounted over a toggle actuator of a mechanical switch that controlswhether power is delivered to the lighting load; a user input deviceconfigured to detect a user input; a plurality of light sourcesconfigured to backlight at least a portion of the user input device todisplay multiple discrete points of illumination each representing apreset associated with the lighting load; and a control circuitconfigured to: illuminate one or more of the plurality of light sourcesto display the multiple discrete points of illumination; determine thata discrete point of the multiple discrete points of illumination hasbeen selected; control the plurality of light sources to illuminated theselected discrete point in a manner distinguishable from the rest of themultiple discrete points of illumination; and generate control data tocontrol the lighting load based on the preset associated with theselected discrete point.